Cold-Weather Motorcycling Presents Unique Challenges

Part of this article is from On All Cylinders. And part from one of my old articles.
To start, let’s assume you’ll be wearing  a full face helmet. Since you can lose a lot of heat through your head, a full face helmet is a key piece of winter riding apparel. You should regularly inspect your helmet anyway, but during the winter specifically check to make sure the headliner is intact and vents are free to open and close. For added peace of mind, companies make anti-fog spray that can reduce the chance of your faceshield fogging over.
Don’t just grab a big parka out of your closet; get a cold weather motorcycle jacket or heated jacket liner. Remember, baggy clothes won’t hold heat and the constant tug of the wind contributes to rider fatigue. A cold weather riding jacket should be snug and include extra thermal protection that can be zipped in and out when necessary. It’s also important that the jacket does not restrict your movement, so you’re able to maintain control of your motorcycle.
Based on riding position, your legs are often the most exposed parts of your body—ensure that they’re well protected with riding pants be that they are insulated leather or gore-tex riding pants. Make sure they fit well, but still allow you to put your leg down at stoplights and manipulate your foot controls. Companies make full or partial chaps also  that guard your legs against the cold and can be easily removed, making them a good choice for the commuter.
As with the jacket and pants, winter gloves should fit perfectly. That allows them to retain heat, while still giving you free movement to work your clutch, brake, and various buttons and switches. Gauntlet-style gloves have skirts that overlap the sleeves of your jacket—further sealing out any cold air.
Winter riding boots play an important role, as your feet are often unprotected by a fairing. That leaves them exposed to road wind. Winter boots should overlap your pants, cutting down on exposed areas of skin. Make sure your boots have decent tread and can handle slippery environments. Water can puddle and freeze in the ruts created from semis resting at stoplights, making intersections treacherous.
Don’t forget about your neck. You can address this by wearing a turtleneck undershirt, or purchase a dedicated neck wrap. Avoid scarves—the last thing you want is a loose scarf end dangling around your rear sprocket! Socks are important too.
Water-soaked clothing holds little thermal protection, which is why winter riding gear should be water-resistant. Wool is a smart choice, because it can wick moisture away from the skin. Be aware of any built up sweat, too. Your gear needs to breathe and allow any sweat to dissipate through your clothing.
Dress in layers. Long underwear adds another level of warmth, while sweatshirts and jeans provide a good middle layer of protection. Always err on the side of dressing too warmly; you can always peel off a layer to cool down. All the years that I was a winter warrior I used heated gear from the jacket liner to the pants to the socks to the gloves. Best winter riding investment one can make if you are a true winter warrior. It’s just like riding on a toaster is what I tell everyone who see’s me out riding during the winter months.
Now that you’re dressed to grapple with a yeti, let’s look at your motorcycle. Without going into a full-blown inspection list here, remember to do regular checks of your chain/belt/shaft, tires, brakes, and suspension, to make sure your ride is roadworthy. Winter roads are obviously more daunting than summer roads. You’ll experience ice, road salt, and potholes—make sure your bike is physically ready for winter’s assault. And that you are physically ready to ride in the winter elements.
You can also modify your bike to make your ride more comfortable—specifically in the form of heated grips. Heated grips use your battery’s power to warm elements in (or under) the grips. You can also add heated seats. Make sure that your bike’s electrical system can handle the extra current draw and you have room to install the switches, wires, and relays necessary to make them work.
Depending on the style of motorcycle, the addition of a faring (or larger windshield if already equipped) is an obvious way to protect your body against constant icy wind blasts. As with any install, make sure that all of your levers, mirrors, and switches operate freely before venturing out on the roads. If you’re looking at a dedicated winter fairing, select one that offers maximum body coverage.
When you’re ready to take to the winter road, remember that there are several unique hazards posed to a motorcyclist in winter. Be wary of any new potholes that appear; snowplows love turning highways into obstacle courses. Always be on the lookout for excess road salt and sand—it tends to build up near intersections. Your fellow motorists are more of a danger than ever, as it’s uncommon to see a motorcycle in the roads in the dead of winter.
Depending on your location, ice represents the ultimate hazard to the winter rider. You do not want to hit a patch of that stuff. It might be a good idea to drive your route in a car first, scanning for any potential icy zones.
Be safe: ride alert, ride prepared, and ride confidently. Winter riding can be the most rewarding motorcycling you’ll ever experience. I personally really enjoyed riding during the winter months. Another key tip here is don’t ride at night time in the snow belt area’s during the winter. All the years when I was a winter warrior I did not ride at night time during the winter. Only rode during the daylight hours. Now for all you riders down south or out west just continue to ride in the winter in awesome riding weather.                                                                    Keep the contact patch between the lines.                                                              Michael Theodore                                                                                                                      National Road Captain

State Watch

Information for State Watch is from the AMA

California
Senate Resolution 63, introduced by state Sen. Anna Caballero promotes increased public awareness on the issue of motorcycle profiling. The resolution also encourages collaboration and communication between the motorcycle community and local and state law enforcement agencies to engage in efforts to end motorcyclist profiling. It also urges state law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in policies training materials.

Wisconsin
ABATE of Wisconsin reports that two state senators are circulating a draft bill that would allow retailers to dispense all blends of fuel through one pump nozzle. The bill (LRB2170/P1) would apply to fuel blends up to 15 percent ethanol (E15). The AMA joins ABATE of Wisconsin in opposing this bill, which would dramatically increase the likelihood of inadvertent misfueling by motorcyclists. No motorcycles or ATV’s sold in the United States are certified by the EPA to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol (E10).

Georgia
The Department of Driver Services Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program received a $83,464 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to help reduce motorcycle fatalities, increase driver awareness of motorcycles and educate motorcycle riders about safety initiatives. The grant allows the safety program to continue promoting state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP promotes driver awareness of motorcycles on the highways, rider education at 40 locations across the state and motorcycle safety initiatives. The GSMP operates motorcycle training for new and experienced riders. Classes focus on riding a motorcycle legally and safely.”We want to ensure everyone has access to proper rider education,” said Holly Hegyesi, GSMP Program Manager. “Motorcycle safety classes are essential for new and experienced riders, alike. Almost one third of motorcycle fatalities involve a rider without a valid license.”

Missouri
Motorcyclist in Missouri will be required to wear helmets while riding, at least for another year, after the states legislature declined to overrule Gov. Mike Parson’s veto of a bill that would have repealed the current motorcycle helmet law. Parson cited safety concerns raised by the state Department of Transportation in issuing the veto. Freedom of the Road Riders supported the bill, which would have provided riders and passengers 18 or older the option of going without a helmet,if they carried health insurance.

PRESIDENT SIGNS SCENIC BYWAYS ACT
The Program is Set To Revive
President Donald Trump signed H.R. 831,the Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act, on Sept 22,2019.
The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to request nominations for, and make determinations regarding, roads to be designated under the national scenic byways program, which has been closed for six years. The AMA was part of the coalition that helped create this program in 1991 and played an active role in the efforts to revive the program. The program provides resources that help communities along designated byways benefit from the tourism they generate, while preserving the characteristics of the roads that made them great destinations in the first place. Even before the bill passed, officials said they were prepared to seek National Scenic Byway designation for 44 roads in 24 states.                                                                        Michael Theodore                                                                                                                National Road Captain

 

 

Do You Have a Non-drinking Problem?

 

The First Step to addressing a problem is to first acknowledge that you have a problem. I will admit to you all that I do not a serious non-drinking problem. I have always hydrated before,during and after a ride.If you are one of the many riders who forgets to drink enough water, here are some indicators of dehydration and a few steps you can take to break your non-drinking habit.

Recognize The Warning Signs
If you ride for long periods without the urgency to stop at a rest area to relieve yourself, you may be dehydrated,  instead of water, you may have to go more frequently but are actually flushing out vital water reserves since coffee acts as a mild diuretic.
If your skin,mouth,lips and eyes are dry, you may be low on H2O. Similarly, if you find yourself becoming fatigued or achy, or are beginning to experience headaches, don’t wait; you are way overdue to re hydrate. In extreme dehydration, you may become dizzy,experience elevated heartbeat and rapid breathing, or even becoming confused and disoriented. At this point consider this an emergency; it’s time to get help as soon as possible.
Avoiding Dehydration
Begin to drink water in the hours before you hit the road. Don’t think you can simply down a large bottle of water just before you jump on your bike. It doesn’t work that way. Drink smaller amounts more often so your body can absorb instead of pass the vital fluid.
Pack water bottles on your bike and have one in your cup holder. Make sure you refill yourself each time you stop to get gas or to just stretch your legs. I am always sipping on my water as I ride.
Keep this drinking habit going after the kickstand is down. Continue to replenish your body and prepare for the next day’s journey. By being more conscious of the issue and following these simple guidelines. You have now begun to control your non-drinking problem. You should now be able to ride for hours and still feel fresh at the end of the days ride. Hope this has helped you. Now drink up!

Keep it between the lines
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

State Watch

Articles for State Watch are from the AMA

Pennsylvania
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R- Monongahela) has introduced legislation prohibiting grass clippings from road ways. She said clippings can cause the surface of the roadway to become extremely slippery, causing motorcycle crashes. Grass on the roadways can also clog storm drains and contribute to run off pollution into streams.
Bartolotta’s bill would treat offenses related to grass clippings on roadways in the same way as other litter. Fines would range from $50 to $300 for a first offense and $300 to $1,000 for a subsequent offense. Offenders also would be required to remove clippings from the road.

Texas
A bill to include motorcycles in the states electric vehicle rebate program failed to make it to the Senate floor. S.B 486, sponsored by state Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would have allowed a rebate of as much as $2,500 for the purchase of an electric motorcycle.
The AMA believes this bill was important because it would have ended a discriminatory policy against motorcyclists, who should be eligible for the same benifits as other motor vehicle owners.
Ensuring motorcyclists have access to the same rights and programs as the owners of other vehicles is a key goal. Importantly, this bill also recognized motorcycles as part of the future of transportation and something to be encouraged and incentivized for the benefit of all road users.

Missouri
A bill passed by legislature would allow motorcyclists 18 or older to ride with out a helmet. The bill also requires motorcyclists to be covered by heath insurance policy before riding without a helmet.

Michigan
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson unveiled the awareness campaign ”Motorcyclists Are Hard to See. Look Twice. Save a Life” The campaign is amid at preventing motorcycle crashes in Michigan by teaching people about the importance of constantly looking for motorcycles while driving. The effort will include billboards,radio ads and social media spots. It will be funded through the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund, which was created by the Michigan Legislature.

Louisiana
H.B.141, which creates a law enforcement training program on motorcyclist profiling, passed the House, 91-0, in May and passed the Senate, 38-0 in June and was signed by the Governor. The bill defines motorcyclist profiling as the “arbitrary use of the fact that an individual rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle-related clothing pr paraphernalia as a factor in deciding to stop,question,take enforcement action,arrest or search the individual or his motorcycle or motor vehicle”

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

State Watch

State Watch is from the AMA

New York
New York Assembly Members introduced A.B. 6080, which would exempt all motorcycles from congestion pricing program fees if such a program is adopted. Current and past congestion pricing proposals for New York City would have charged motorcycles the same amounts as cars and trucks. The AMA is urging New York riders to write to their New York State Assembly members in support of this commonsense legislation that recognizes the benefits of motorcycling for city traffic.

New York
The AMA is supporting an effort by Harley Davidson to expand the state’s Drive Clean Rebate program for electric vehicles to include motorcycles. Currently, the program is limited to four-wheeled vehicles. The rebates available through the program range up to $2,000.

North Carolina
A state house committee has approved a mandatory-helmet repeal bill, H.B. 267 The bill would require helmets for riders younger than 21, but would allow those 21 and older the option of riding without a helmet.
In a story in the Raleigh News & Observer, the bill sponsor- state Rep.John Torbett said, “It’s not a matter of wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet. It’s just a matter of, ‘Does a state tell you to wear it?”

Texas
S.B. 273 would allow lane splitting in congested traffic if the motorcyclist is traveling no faster than 20 mph and no more than 5 mph faster than surrounding vehicles. The provision would apply only on limited-access highways. The companion bill is H.B.1270. The AMA fully supports both bills.

Utah
Utah became the second U.S. state to formally recognize a type of lane splitting,with the governor’s signature on a bill legalizing the filtering of motorcycles between lanes of stopped traffic. H.B. 149 allows motorcyclists traveling no faster than 15 mph to filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction on roads where the speed limit is 45 mph or less.

Virginia
The Virginia Senate and house of Delegates passed bills prohibiting motorists from touching their cell phones while driving. The bills would allow the use of hands-free mode.
State law currently prohibits only reading email or text messages or manually entering letters or text in a hand-held personal communications device while driving. It is still legal to operate phones while stopped or while reporting an emergency.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

Motorcycle Parking Tips

Motorcycle Parking Tips

Article is from the AMA

Where is the best spot to park a motorcycle within a parking lot space?

Park so the rear of your bike ( or the front, if you’ve backed your bike into the space) is at the entrance of the space, similar to where the rear of the average car would be positioned.
In this way, a driver or other rider hunting for a space will see your bike and not start to enter the space and then come upon your bike at the last moment. If you are traveling with other riders, park two to a space, when possible, to minimize the group’s “footprint.”
In some lots the spaces are narrow, so there may not be enough room for two motorcycles to park side-by-side and still leave enough room for the doors of the adjacent cars to open. In that case, try staggering the bikes fore-and-aft.
Also when leaving a parking space, be alert for motorists distracted by their own quest to find a parking spot.
Keep it between the lines.
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

Motorcycle Awareness Month

Spring is in full swing and around the country, motorcyclists are returning to the road after a long winter. But with a sudden spike in the number of motorcycles on the road, it’s a good time to remind all motorists, whether on two wheels or four, to keep a special lookout for motorcyclists.

That’s why May is recognized as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time for drivers to be reminded to share the road with motorcycles, and riders to be reminded to make themselves more visible to others.
Keep the Contact Patch between the lines
 
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

State Watch

New Jersey
S. 1400 and A. 3204 would allow operators of motorcycles,motorized bicycles and bicycles to proceed through a malfunctioning steady red light if the rider comes to a full stop at the intersection, waits for two complete cycles of the opposing traffic signal or for two minutes, whichever is shorter,then treats the traffic control signal as a stop sign.

 

Oregon
H.B 2314 would allow motorcyclist and moped riders to split lanes if traffic is stopped or is traveling 10 mph or slower, the rider travels no more than 10 mph faster than traffic and the rider merges with traffic when traffic speed exceeds 10 mph. The law would apply to highways with speed limits of 50 mph or higher.

Texas
H.B. 748 would repeal the exceptions to the state’s mandatory helmet law. The law currently exempts riders 21 or older who have completed a motorcycle safety course or who have health insurance coverage.
Also S.B. 273 would allow motorcyclist to split lanes on limited or controlled access highways when traffic is moving at 20 mph or slower, if the rider does not travel more than 5 mph faster than surrounding traffic.

Virginia
H.B.1872 would require the adult motorcyclists to register as organ donors if they wish to ride without a helmet. The bill also makes failure to wear a helmet a secondary offense, which means law enforcement officers would not be allowed to stop riders simply for being helmetless.
Also H.B. 2446 would allow motorcyclists to ride on the shoulder of limited access highways when traffic is stopped or is traveling 10 mph or less, the motorcyclist must not exceed 15 mph and must take the first available exit.
And H.B. 2193 would add grass clippings to the list of substance a person may not throw or deposit on the roads. Grass clippings create a hazard for motorcyclists.

Utah
H.B143 Changed registration and state wide fees for all- terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and street-legal ATV’s. Under the new law, registration fees for off- road vehicles will not exceed $35 while the fee for a street- legal ATV will not exceed $72. The state’s Motor Vehicle Division requires that $1 of the registration go to the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Rehabilitation Fund. State wide fees foe ATV’s and snowmobiles will vary, based on the age of the vehicle.

 

Also Utah became the second U.S. state to formally recognize a type of lane splitting, with the governor’s signature on a bill legalizing the filtering of motorcycles between lanes of stopped traffic.

“This is a major victory for motorcyclists in Utah and across the country,” said Mike Sayre, on-highway government relations manager for the American Motorcyclist Association. “As more states acknowledge the benefits of lane splitting, motorcyclists can become safer on the roads, and motorists can find some relief from traffic congestion.”
H.B. 149 allows motorcyclists traveling no faster than 15 mph to filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction on roads where the speed limit is 45 mph or less.
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Walt Brooks (R-St. George) and state Sen. David P. Hinkins (R-Orangeville), was signed by Gov. Gary Herbert on March 21. The bill takes effect May 14.
There are provisions in the bill automatically repealing the law on July 1, 2022, if the legislature takes no action to extend it.

The AMA endorses lane splitting, given the long-term success in California and the University of California study by Berkeley researchers showing that it enhances motorcycle safety. And the AMA will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their state.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

Tips for Low-Speed Riding

Tips for Low-Speed Riding

Unless you’re somehow not subject to the laws of gravity, you likely feel a bit wobbly during slow-speed parking-lot maneuvers. This is because the stabilizing effect of inertia and the gyroscopic forces imparted by your bike’s wheels diminish as speed decreases, giving gravity the upper hand. Staying upright and balanced requires a deft orchestration of clutch, throttle, and brake, along with precise lean and steering angles, body positioning, and visual focus. Putting all these pieces together is challenging, but here are a few tips that will make slow-speed riding a little less nerve-racking.
Since your bike is less stable at slow speeds, it’s important to maintain smooth, steady drive. A lot of bikes’ throttles are too sensitive for precise control at a walking pace, so it’s best to keep the throttle steady and instead use the clutch to control speed.  This is called the friction zone. Locking the throttle by anchoring your thumb or index finger against the handlebar switch pod can be helpful.
For even more exact control, drag the rear brake. Not only is it great for fine-tuning your speed, but it also has the beneficial effect of increasing stability by putting some tension in the drive train and rear suspension. The front brake on most bikes is quite powerful, and even a light pull on the lever is going to shift weight forward, compress the fork, steepen steering geometry, and upset the stability you’re working so hard to maintain. Reserve the front brake for stopping, not adjusting your speed.
Now that you know how to preserve slow-speed stability, it’s time to make a tight turn. While it’s common to lean off the inside of the bike in faster corners, at slow speeds you’ll want to keep your body upright and let the motorcycle lean beneath you by shifting your weight to the outer edge of the seat, dirt-bike style. Keep your feet on the foot pegs to stabilize your body and so you can use the rear brake as needed to regulate your speed. Of course, if you mess up and need to put a foot down, do it.
Yes, leaning a bike at slow speed is unnerving, but it is required. Remember that you can lean quite a bit without falling as long as you maintain enough momentum to counteract gravity. Being loose on the handlebars allows quick and fluid adjustments to maintain your balance, and remember to keep your eyes up, even if you get nervous.
Slow-speed riding can be tricky, and it requires a specific set of skills. As always, practice makes perfect, so spend some time riding slowly to get used to slow-speed balance. Use the clutch, throttle, and rear brake technique to creep along slowly. You know you have good balance if you don’t need to saw the handlebars back and forth to stay on course. Now put all the pieces together to make slow U-turns. With a bit of courage and a lot of practice, you’ll be the master of your local parking lot.

Keep The Contact Patch Between The Lines

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

State Watch

State Watch
Ohio
House Bill 548, which would allow motorcyclist to wear earplugs while riding,it passed the state House and has been  referred to the state Senate Transportation, commerce and workforce Committee. Ohio is one of a few states where earplugs are prohibited while riding.

Iowa
All-terrain vehicles and other four wheel utility vehicles can now legally operate on gravel roads in Des Moines County, Iowa. The county began considering the move after receiving petitions containing more than 1,000 signatures. ATV’S and UTV’S also will be allowed on paved roads to get from one gravel road to the another. Among the restrictions reported by Tri-States Public Radio: ATV use is prohibited between 10 pm and 4 am. Vehicle operators must be 18 or older and have a valid drivers license; vehicles can not be three-wheelers; vehicles may not be driven in ditches; maximum speed is 35mph; passengers are prohibited. Those wishing to operate an ATV on a county road must buy an annual $25 permit.

California
Waymo, the self-driving vehicle unit of Alphabet, has obtained permission to test fully automated cars on California’s public roads. The company, the first to receive a driverless permit in the state,plans to keep it’s vehicles in the neighborhoods of Mountain View, Sunnyvale. Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto, according to a report by Verge.com. Waymo’s permit includes day and night testing on city streets, rural roads, and highways with posted speed limits of up to 65 mph. Arizona also allows Waymo to operate driverless cars.
Lets hope that they have high tech sensors to see motorcycles.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain