Understanding Bikers

One of the guys in my chapter of the Hogs & Heroes Foundation posted this on Facebook and I thought it was really cool.  Good information to help clear up some common stereotypes or misunderstandings...


When you see us moving past you quickly:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to "show off". Ninety five percent of the time, we're trying to get out of your blind spot or taking ourselves out of a potential dangerous situation that has evolved around us. Distancing ourselves from you does not mean we want to race, but that we're giving ourselves the edge we need at the moment.


When you hear our horn:
Don't take offense or think we're trying to aggravate you. All we're doing is letting you know where we are in relation to you on the road, and we're more than likely aware of your inattentiveness to us while you're talking on a cell phone, eating, reading or involved in some other distracting aspect to your driving. It's important to us, and you, that you know we're there.


When you hear our loud pipes:
Don't become angry and hostile toward us. Yes, some are quite loud, but for some, there's a purpose behind being loud. It's about letting you know we're close by and we're constantly hoping that our investment in this accessory will help save our lives. Our pipes are really not about our ego...it's a pride and personalization to our form of transportation.


When you see us in our clothes:
Don't become fearful of us or think us weird. Our leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots are the barriers between loosing massive amounts of flesh should something cause us to go down...nothing more, nothing less. Safety gear is paramount to our riding. We wear patches on our jackets, and pins on our vests. These are symbols of pride and honor within our group(s), individuals giving back to those who gave. These things bond us as a brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers. Not that we're better than anyone else, but that we have the same kind of nobility and pride in our accomplishments as you may have in the various aspects of your life. I guess one could say; our patches and pins are the decals and the bumper stickers of our involvement with society and the general public, of which we are very pleased to be a part of in our own little way.


When you see us in a restaurant:
You don't have to shield your child or feel intimidated. We have family, wives, husbands, children and loved ones too, just like you. We smile; we laugh and enjoy the moments we have. We are approachable, and would befriend you, if given the opportunity.


When you see us in a parking lot:
Don't convince yourself that we're there to "get you". More than likely, we just finished a long ride and are taking a break. Or, we may be meeting up with other riders for a charity run for young children, or another very worthy cause. We may just be admiring one another's bikes, sharing our pride with other brothers and sisters, just like you do with your personal vehicle. It's what we do...it's a part of our lives, and we'd be more than welcome to share with you what riding a bike is all about...if you'd only ask.


When you see aggressive riding bikers:
Don't put us all in the same stereotypical category as those whose behavior and actions would cause you to react in disgust and intolerance. Many of us do not agree with this style of riding either, and we know and understand that human nature tends to blend us all together as the "same group". Most of us don't want that title...and don't deserve it.


When you see a group of bikers on the roadways:
Give us the courtesy of sharing the road with you. Please don't "move in" between several bikers in formation. This gets us very excited and nervous, especially when it's done with no due regard for our safety. Provide us with your awareness of the fact that we are much more vulnerable than you. We don't want to challenge you, for all of us are wise enough to know...we'd lose that battle.


When you are turning left or entering a roadway/highway:
Look, then look again...and then one more time. For we can be easily hidden, and appear to be invisible by such things as a telephone pole, another vehicle, bright lights or the glare of the sun...or possibly, the beads hanging from your rearview mirror, among numerous other items that are displayed there. If you see us flashing our lights at you or blowing our horn, we're only trying to ensure that you will see us before tragedy changes both our lives.


When you are behind us:
Please give us the room we need and don't tailgate us. If you hit us, we're going down...HARD! We don't want to play games with you, we just want to enjoy the ride and the fresh air, and experience that which many of you have never lived for. If we accelerate away from you, don't interpret this action as though we want to drag race you. We're only trying to take ourselves out of a bad situation if you insist on being too close.


When, and if, you experience road rage:
Don't take it out on us just because we're smaller than you and more vulnerable. Think about what you're doing and the end result that may become a reality. The consequences of your actions and choices could be very detrimental to our well being, our families, our children and our loved ones. Yes, there are those that can tend to piss you off, however, rage towards them will not solve the issues, but accentuate them. Nine out of ten bikers will do everything they can to take themselves out of that situation without causing you or them harm.


When you have an opportunity to talk to us:
You'll discover, outside any influenced or stereotypical mindset you may have, that we are just as human as you are, just with different interests and toys. Many of us would give you the shirt off our back if it would tend to brighten your day or console you in some way. We're really no different...and we drive cars, trucks and vans too. So, meet us and greet us...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that you'll be met with open arms.


Thank You for attempting to understand.

RTMR 2012 Preview

Hello again!  The weather has been a bit of a tease - nearly 80° on a Friday then below freezing by Monday morning... All I have to say is WTF Maryland?!  Killin' me...

Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick update for anyone interested in the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally 2012.  I've had a lot of positive feedback on my post about 2011 - folks commenting and asking questions about the event this year... So here it is!

This is the official route map and itinerary.  The official title for 2012 is the Rolling Thunder XXV First Amendment Demonstration Run.  I'm pretty excited to be a part of the event's 25th year, and I just found out recently that the Hogs and Heroes Foundation will be participating, so I'm even more excited to be riding with them.

I know the text is hard to read on that image, so here's the run down, straight from their site:

Schedule of Events for Rolling Thunder XXV


May 25-28, 2012

Friday May 25th 2012

• 9:00pm Candlelight Vigil – Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Saturday May 26th 2012

• 9:00am Thunder Alley Opens – the official vendor site for Rolling Thunder is located at 22nd Street and Constitution Avenue across from The Wall. It will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and will be selling the official Rolling Thunder T-shirt, patches, pins, food, leather, and many other interesting goods. (For more information see Thunder Alley page)
• 11:45am - 8:00pm – C.A.M.M.O. Presents a Tribute to Rolling Thunder XXV
.  Musical guests and special guest speakers appearing on stage at the Henry Bacon ball field include: 
• 
Ray Manzo-founder of Rolling Thunder
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band
• 
Other special guests to be announced
• Also on stage: Unveiling of the Rolling Thunder XXV Tribute Bikes
Custom-built in honor of each branch of the United States Armed Forces

Sunday May 27th 2012

• 6:00am Reveille – Wake up call for riders taking place in the Rolling Thunder XXV First Amendment Demonstration Run. Bikes begin rallying in the North and South Pentagon parking lots at 7:00am for a noon departure.
• 12:00 noon – Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run

• After the Run, riders are directed to West Potomac Park where they will convene in the Mall area to pay tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters

Monday May 28th 2012 – Memorial Day

• 11:00am Wreath Laying Ceremony – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
• 2:00pm Annual Memorial Day Observance at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
 – To the fallen service men and women of the Vietnam War. This year’s service by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will include a special Commencement Ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
• 2:00pm National Memorial Day Parade
• 3:00pm National Moment of Remembrance – one minute of silence in honor of those who have given their life for our country

I don't necessarily plan to spend the whole weekend there but... That could certainly change - I expect it's going to be pretty epic!

Look for more updates as the date gets closer.  And I've got some cool projects to tell y'all about before then!

Til then... Be safe out there.

Game on!

Riding season has officially started!  Picked the bike up Monday with the new bars on and the super secret project (that most of you already know about) completed.  That's the subject of an upcoming post, and I'll also write up a review of my new handle bars once I put some more miles down with 'em.  So far so good, though!
Lots of exciting things coming up - I'll be doing as many rides as possible with HHF and the PGR, Rolling Thunder again in May, and I've got a big trip to/from Florida in the works... all things to look forward to reading about here!
For anybody that rides, ride safe out there.  Watch your ass, and be smart.  People on 4 wheels aren't the only ones who do dumb stuff and cause bikes to go down...
And for everybody else, please be extra vigilant for motorcycles.  As the weather gets warmer, there are going to be more and more of us out there... and if you're not paying attention, that biker you hit might just be me.
Thanks friends.  I look forward to an awesome riding (and writing!) season in 2012 and I'm glad you're around to share it with me.

Rolling Thunder 2011

Keeping a blog updated regularly is a lot more difficult when you're working full time and in school.  Often the last thing I want to do is spend MORE time at the computer typing.  But damned if I'm not stubborn!  (...although I like to think of it more as determined)

I thought tonight, I would share my experience with the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally 2011.

Rolling Thunder, if you're unfamiliar, is one of (if not THE) largest single motorcycle runs in the world.  It's held every year on Memorial Day.  To give you an idea, this year they expect over 400,000 (yes, four hundred THOUSAND) motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, D.C.  The first Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally (RTMR) was held in 1988, run with about 2500 participants.  The founding members stood up Rolling Thunder as a charity and a motorcycle club, with chapters subsequently popping up all over the country.  By 1991, the rally had grown to 20,000, and in 2000, the RTMR had officially grown tenfold, with a quarter-million bikes descending on the capital.  The mission of Rolling Thunder and the Rally is to make certain that we, as a nation, neither neglect our prisoners of war nor forget our missing in action.

The ride itself is actually quite short - participants assemble in the Pentagon parking lots and ride across the Arlington Memorial Bridge, down Constitution Avenue towards the Capitol Building, turn at 3rd Street and again at Independence Avenue proceeding around the National Mall and ending near the Lincoln Memorial.  In all, just over 6 miles... Here's a map of the route.

I first heard about RTMR poking around the internet looking for cool motorcycle runs and rallies in the area.  At that point, I had only had my bike a month or two and was still super excited about it.  Although, to be fair, here I am over a year later, and just as excited.  As soon as I heard such a huge motorcycle event went down here, I was dead set on being a part of it.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I decided immediately that it was going to be an annual thing for me.  Even now, if I move away from the area, I plan to come back for Rolling Thunder every year.

I hit the road to DC at around 0930 the morning of Memorial Day, and arrived shortly after 10.  If I'm not mistaken, registration opened at 0730 so I thought I was arriving late.  I soon discovered I was glad I hadn't gotten there much earlier - it would have just been more time sitting around.  When I rolled in, the parking areas were really well marked, and they had members of Rolling Thunder standing out in the road in their colors directing traffic.  They had us pull into the parking lot, loop around and park in lines facing the road.  They directed you in to make sure spacing was good, etc... told you when you were in and when to kill the engine.  After that, it was pretty much waiting.  There was really no "official" registration to participate - just show up.  So I spent a few minutes letting the areas around me fill up (so as not to block traffic in my wandering around) and just taking it all in.  There were bikes just about as far as I could see.  A sea of iron and chrome - thousands and thousands of bikes.  And just when I felt overwhelmed by how many motorcycles I could see, I wandered to the other side of a bridge and there was an even bigger lot completely full of bikes.  Turns out, I was in the first of 2 overflow lots.  And the other overflow lot was larger than the first and the primary combined.  By the time we rolled out, all 3 were all nearly full.

See my pictures for examples/evidence.

So I wandered around and took pictures.  Thankfully, it wasn't too hot that day - fairly overcast and there was a nice breeze.  I was also really glad I had thought to bring a sandwich and a bottle of water in a cooler in one of my saddle bags.

Officially, the ride starts at 12 noon, but that's when the first parking lot begins to empty out.  It was well after 2 when I finally started my engine.  Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures of the ride itself - it's kind of difficult to ride and photograph simultaneously.  But it's pretty inspiring to come rolling across the Arlington Memorial Bridge and see a lone Marine in full dress uniform in the street saluting, silhouetted by the Lincoln Memorial, and surrounded on all sides by hundreds of people.  Everyone was clapping and cheering and waving American flags.  That Marine stood there for over 3 hours, at attention, holding that salute.  Truly inspiring.  Here's a video I found of a news report about the guy.  He's retired but should be given some sort of medal or award anyway...

We turned the corner onto Constitution Ave, trees in full bloom, barricades keeping the thousands and thousands of people out of the street, and motorcycles growling down the road as far as you could see.  It's one thing to see a bunch of bikes sitting in parking lots, it's another to sit behind 6 lanes of elbow to elbow rumbling and roaring motorcycles and those riding them, all gathered there for a common purpose... and then to look in your rearview, or turn your head, and see the same behind you as far as you can see the road.  It's hard to convey, but if you've ever been to DC, you know that's a lot of road... and a thoroughly overwhelming number of motorcycles.  Even more intense - a full 2 hours after I started my ride, they were STILL coming down the street.

But I'm getting ahead of myself...

On Constitution, they stopped us in front of the Ellipse, in front of the White House.  Everyone started revving engines, honking horns, shouting and hollering... At the risk of sounding totally cheesy, this is what really put the Thunder in Rolling Thunder.  Wow.  Again, it's one thing to sit on the street with a bunch of idling bikes, or ride slowly behind them.  It's a completely different experience when they all crank 'em up at the same time.  It really is earth shaking.

The rest of the ride is less exciting, but still absolutely moving and amazing.  One of my favorite parts was the kids - anybody who rides or has kids knows that kids love motorcycles.  And guys with long hair and beards, which are, of course, in abundance at an event like that.  So the little kids waving the little American flags stepping out into the street, extending their arms to get high fives from the bikers... So cool.  Even better when you're the one giving the high five - to see their huge smiles and excitement about the whole thing was awesome.

The ride back down Independence is more of the same - tons of bikes and tons of people... Lots of salutes and American flags and ecstatic kids... Very touching and I think it was what really set the stage for my current interest in groups like the Patriot Guard Riders and the Hogs and Heroes Foundation (both of which I am now a member, but those are subjects for another post!).

At the end of the ride, they directed us to park in this big field near the (at the time, under construction) MLK memorial.  It was another good opportunity to sit and watch bikes roll by, walk around and look at the other parked bikes, or to go back out the street and watch them coming around the corner and down the street.  And like I said, they just kept coming.  I think I finally left around 4 or 4:30, and bikes were STILL steadily rolling down the street towards the parking area.  A lot of guys were getting to the end and, instead of parking, just taking off.  Or they would park, find the members of their group, and head out.  There were people speaking and presentations being given, but I was feeling pretty drained at that point - a combination of being out in the sun all afternoon and the surprisingly emotional 6 miles I'd just ridden - so I didn't hang around to listen.  After taking some more pictures, I hopped back in the saddle and headed home.

The whole thing was a really incredible experience.  I can't say enough good things about it, and I know as long as I'm able, I will be a regular and avid participant in the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally.  If you like motorcycles and America, I highly encourage everyone who can to head to the National Mall on Memorial Day.  It really could be a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it annually.

My Little Black Bike Bag

Time has really gotten away from me here lately... There have been some really nice days here lately and I've definitely got the bug to get out riding again.  I'm still pretty concerned about getting some snow and, as I have no garage or anything to keep my bike out of such weather, I'm going to leave it in storage for another month or so... So I've been diverting that energy toward a new project, but that will be a subject for another post when it's finished and I can post some pictures along with it!

Until then, I thought I would share a little about my bike bag.  The bag itself is kind of a cool story even - I've had it since I was in the 6th grade!  I played peewee football back then, and, at the end of the season, they gave us these black duffel bags with BEAVERCREEK (the town I grew up in) printed on them.  I still have it.  No holes and the zipper still works and everything.  And, conveniently, it is a near perfect fit for the inside of my saddle bags.

As mentioned before, I got my bike in February of last year - in fact, I think we're coming up on our 1 year anniversary.  So it was cold then too.  But that certainly didn't stop me from riding every chance I got.  I bought chaps recently because I surely wished I had them then!  Often I would be going to visit friends during the day and riding back at night, where you  might see a 20+ degree temperature drop from afternoon into late evening.  I needed something to keep those extra layers of clothes and riding gear in.  At first I would just kind of throw stuff in the saddlebags, but if I wanted to put my car keys and my prescription glasses and an extra bandanna in there, they would inevitably end up underneath my extra layers of clothes.  Plus, when I got where I was going, I had to carry a loose bundle of clothes inside to change into later.  It didn't take long before I was looking for a better way.  And thus began my use of the black Beavercreek bag.

It has since become a lot more than just a bag to hold extra layers of clothes.  I guess the things I learned as a Boy Scout really stuck with me (if you couldn't tell by my whole Survival Kit entry)... so the bike bag has really become more of a preparedness thing.  It's convenient because I don't have to leave anything important in the bike and can easily bring it all in when I get home.  It helps keep things more organized inside the saddlebag and it makes it easier to roll out quickly when I've got the itch to ride.  It's versatile and expandable, so it can be an overnight bag, a cold weather bag, a lunch bag, or whatever I need.  That may sound obvious, but I'm telling you - it goes a long way.

I'll preface this with saying some of the items on this list are new for the 2012 riding season...

In the bag, I always keep:

• Registration, proof of insurance, and owner's manual - keeps me legal and is good info to have around
• 1-3 extra bandanas - you'd be amazed how useful these things can be
• Glasses - either an extra pair of regular prescription or sunglasses, depending on what I have on
• A multitool and a hex wrench tool - sometimes the included toolkit just isn't enough
• A pack of gum - never know who you're going to meet...
• Bungee cargo nets - they don't take up much room and are amazingly helpful if you have extra cargo that doesn't fit well in the hardbags
• A deck of cards - I'm not even a big card player, but a little easy entertainment is nice
• A notepad and pen - helps for writing down directions, trip info, phone numbers... whatever
• Car/room keys - clipped on an s-biner on the strap for quick, easy access
• Baseball cap/Beanie hat - I usually keep my hair pretty short these days, but when I don't... I like to avoid walking around with helmet hair
• Extra set of gloves - no real reason for these I guess... has just always seemed like a good idea
• Sunscreen/at least one extra layer of warm clothes (depending on weather) - usually a few different SPFs, and my extra layer is often just a hoodie
• Reflective vest and/or belt  - Reflective wear is mandatory for members of the military
• 20 or 30 feet of 550 paracord - I can't say enough about this stuff... it can be used for damn near everything, second only to duct tape (for those playing along at home, 550 is Type III Parachute Cord)

So that's my regular load out.  If I'm just going for a quick spin around town, I usually won't bother with any more than that, although I often carry a water bottle too.  Sitting in the wind dehydrates you much faster than you  might expect!

If it's an overnight trip or I plan to stop and chill for a while, I might throw my hammock in there.  If I'm going overnight, a change of clothes and a small toiletry bag.  If it's a warm day but I expect a chilly evening, maybe chaps, a facemask, and an extra jacket.  Depending on what's going on when I reach my destination (if I have one), I've taken to keeping a pair of Chucks in the bag.  I like having regular shoes so much at times, I've seriously contemplated buying a second pair of 'em to be a dedicated bike bag pair.

Last time I made a list of stuff for a bag, I forgot a big item... 

So let me know, what do you think of my loadout?  Did I forget anything?  Is there anything I should have that I just plain don't?

Thanks!

Motorcyclin' Mom

I asked my mom to write down for me her views on motorcycling... Stories or experiences or what it means to her... Just her perspective. It's definitely a family thing with us so I wanted to involve her in this project too. This is the first of what I hope is many experiences she had to share.


Hey son,

 I was wondering where you wanted me to write on the blog?   The things that comes to mind with me is a sense of freedom riding on the back of the HD!   I can do a lot of thinking while riding with few interruptions, or I can just sit and relax and not think at all.  I love the feeling I get which makes it really addictive for me.  Freedom from cares or needed time for thinking and letting go of cares.  It is my choice.  I love the fact that you share in our passion for riding and we can spend that special time with you.   I would love it if Drew would also get the bug and decide to ride someday too.  It is fun being with other people who also enjoy riding and exploring the countryside on a motorcycle.  There is nothing like having the wind in your hair and seeing all the beauty of the outdoors, without looking through a car window.   All the smells and sights are enhanced when riding on a bike.  It is a feeling hard to explain, but I think lots of riders would know what I mean!

That is the other thing that is cool, is the other people who ride.  Most riders are relaxed and fun and looking for fun.  There is the old stereotype of hell raisers and gun slingers and greasy motorcyclist, but if anyone takes the time to look around them, they will see that is not what motorcycling is about anymore.  Those people are still there, but are in the minority and you can usually tell the difference in the bikes they ride!  It is also fun looking at the incredible number of bikes out there and the individuality of each one.

 So to others I would say to get out there and ride sometime but beware of the bug!  It will get you and there's no turning back!  Hahahaha!

 There it is. No stories about particular rides, just how I feel about our bike!

I love you,
Mom

Survival! [UPDATED!]

So... I'm going to Tarantino it a bit here with this post.  I have an entry planned for the future regarding motorcycle camping... But the last few days, I've been really entrenched in survival planning.

I really just wanted to use the word "entrenched"... like an entrenching tool?  Survival?  Get it?!

But seriously... I've spent the better part of two days researching and planning a survival kit for camping trips.  I've compiled a list of things I think would go well in this kit, and I'd like to share it with you.

• The Bag
• A critical element.  All this shit's gotta go somewhere right?!  I've seen these at a local military surplus store and I really like them.  There's a lot of space, without the bag being bulky.  It's expandable, should you need even more room.  The MOLLE rings on the front are also useful for adding accessories you might need quick access to.  Plus it has a hydration bladder and hose - so, in a survival situation, you won't have to worry about what you're going to put your water in!  Although, I will say, those bladders are often difficult to get water out of when you need it for cooking, etc.
• Water purification tablets
• What good is carrying around 2 1/2 liters of water if none of it is potable.  Drinking contaminated water or water with bacteria or other nasty stuff in it can be just as bad as or worse than dehydration.  This will keep you safe.  Well... safer, anyway.
• Waterproof matches/case, fire steel, Fresnal lens
• All very useful when it comes to starting a fire.  Which is a lot harder than it sounds without some aid.  Have you ever tried starting a fire using a bow drill or just rubbing sticks together?  I have.  It sucks.  It may seem like overkill to have three fire starting options, but they all take up next to no space and you'll be glad to have choices.  Also, along with these items should be some time of good ignitable material.  Examples would be cotton balls soaked in (melted) vaseline (stored in a film canister or prescription bottle), dryer lint, or char cloth.
• Chem lights, flagging tape, Signal mirror, LED flashlight, brightly colored bandanas
• I specify LED because they're usually intensely bright and the batteries last nearly forever.  All of these are excellent for signaling for help, marking your path, and finding your way.  Also bandanas can be useful for applications involving this next thing...
• First Aid kit
• This is kind of a kit within a kit (kitception!), and may be used in more than just "survival" scenarios.  Still, it's a good idea to keep it in/with the survival bag (perhaps hooked on the MOLLE rings?) so that it all rolls out together.  The contents of a good first aid kit are pretty standard and not the subject of this entry.  Bandanas, as mentioned above, can be super useful for drying/cleaning/dressing wounds, tying splints, etc.
• 550 para cord, fishing line, snare/trip wire, knot reference card, duct tape
• As a Boy Scout, I used to know a lot of knots.  I don't anymore.  A reference card is a really nice thing to have, because the knot you use really can make a huge difference.  550 cord is AWESOME, if you're not familiar.  It's parachute cord, so named because it can hold 550 pounds.  You see bracelets made out of it frequently, which is a great way to carry between 8-10 feet it around with you anywhere.  Old Vietnam-era trip wire can be picked up at any military surplus store and makes great snare wire for setting traps or... whatever you might need it for.  Likewise with fishing line - that's definitely not the only useful thing it's good for.  Duct tape needs no explanation.
• "Space blanket"
• Something of this sort might be included in the first aid kit, but I feel it's worth its own bullet point.  These things are lifesavers when it gets cold.  Definitely worth investing in one (or a couple!) of the better quality ones for a survival kit.  Their bright orange outside can also be useful in signaling ground-to-air.  The specific one I linked to there is actually a full body bivvy with sealed seams.  This helps keep even more heat in.
• Knife
• A good blade goes a long way.  Typically, when camping, you'd have at least one cutting utensil with you, but it's never a bad thing to have a backup.  And a backup for your backup.  These are the ones I think I'd like to have, but that's just me.
• A couple lawn garbage bags, poncho(s)
• You never know when a big piece of fairly sturdy plastic might come in handy.  They roll up small and can be used for a lot of things, not the least of which is keeping you dry!

[Edit] I can't believe you guys let me forget one of the staple survival tools!  A compass!  More often than not, you're going to at least have a rough idea of where you're trying to get to from where you expect you are.  For example, "I know we came off east of the road and it runs north and south... so all we have to do is head west to hit the road."  But if you don't know which way west is... You're hosed.  Also, if you're going to pack a compass, make sure you know how to use it.  It sounds obvious... You'd be surprised.

So there's kind of a layout of my plan.

I'm curious though - what do you guys think?  Did I make any glaring oversights or miss any really obvious necessities?  Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?  What could I do to make it even better?

Obviously, there are a lot of scenarios where a survival kit could come into play, but I would like to keep any discussion geared toward the intended use of this kit - that is, riding the motorcycle out to state/national parks and camping.

What are your thoughts?

Inception

I guess the best place to start... is at the beginning.

I've always thought motorcycles were cool.  If there's one thing I've learned as a biker, it's that little kids love motorcycles.  That, and my dad - easily my biggest hero - has always been a Harley enthusiast... In 2006, he was finally able to get his first HD - a Heritage Softail Classic... And it didn't take long before I caught the bug too.

There's a whole lot of scheming and plotting and disappointment in there... but in 2009, I got my first bike. I traded a bass amp and cab for a 1972 Kawasaki S2 (and also here), 350cc triple cylinder.  That didn't run.  And had sat in the same spot in a family friend's garage for over 20 years.  I messed with it a little - cleaned the carbs, new battery, changed the plugs... Never was able to get it running.  But I knew there was really a market for those old triples.  I found a local guy who traded me a '77 Kawasaki KZ1000 for it plus 200 bucks.  The KZ ran, but definitely needed a little TLC.  I figured I was going to have to do some work on either one, might as well be one with a bigger engine that actually ran.  I only had it for a few days because... My boss at the time had a Kawasaki '76 KZ650 that was street ready - he rode it to work from time to time.  He fancied himself a handyman so he offered to trade me his 650 that was good to go for my 1000.  I thought that sounded like a good deal, so we had a "bring your bikes to work" day and made the trade.  What I really (thought at the time that I) wanted was an old Honda Goldwing GL1100.  I know, I know... Goldwings are old man bikes.  But before 1984, you could take the fairing and all the stuff off, and they actually looked pretty tough... Kind of like an older Honda Valkyrie... because essentially, that's what a Valkyrie is - a Goldwing without all the hardware.

Anyway, I found a guy on craigslist who was interested in trading an '82 GL1100 for my newly acquired '76 KZ650.  I threw the bike in the back of my dad's truck and drove out to meet him... The Goldwing was in pretty rough shape - the plastic was all busted up and stuff... But it ran and all of the important stuff looked ok - I was planning on taking most of the plastic off, anyway, so I didn't mind.  Did the trade, and took the Goldwing home.

On the way home, some lady in a Lexus slammed on her brakes for no apparent reason in front of me, which forced me to do the same... which caused the bike in the bed of the truck to do a bit of a nose dive, and that popped the fork seals.  When I got home, there was fork oil all over the bed... Just had to add it to the list...

I stripped the Goldwing down and tried to do some basic maintenance on it... And some stuff to make it look cooler, because... really, that does matter!  The further into it I got, the more I found to be wrong with it.  I did fashion up a pretty badass cylinder pressure gauge adapter, if I do say so myself!

Ultimately, I never really was able to make anything useful out of it... For a lot of reasons, not the least of which was leaving for Basic Training.  After sitting in my parents' garage for over a year, I got the Goldwing put on craiglist and was able to sell it "as is" - I think we got $250 out of it?  Which, at the end of the day, was about what I had in it so... I was happy.  The guy texted me a few days after he took it home to tell me he'd got it running smooth, so that was pretty awesome.  I asked him to text me pictures when he got it done.  I'll be surprised if he does, but I'm glad it didn't just get scrapped.


I should pause here to make two points... First, all of those trades?  S2 -> KZ1000 -> KZ650 -> GL1100... all happened in about a week!  Movin' and hustlin'.  Second, I think it's only fair to say that I had a lot of help in tearing into those bikes and getting them cleaned up... My good friend Stephanie spent a lot of hours in the garage with me (workin' hard or hardly workin') from the first bike on.


So this brings us up through the end of 2010.

In January 2011, I got my enlistment bonus from the Army.  Which I promptly spent.  I'd had eyes on craigslist in anticipation, looking for a Honda VTX1300 or a similar metric cruiser.  I would have loved (and still would love!) to have a Harley-Davidson, but that just wasn't a realistic option at the time.

I happened on a 2000 Honda Shadow American Classic Edition Tourer (VT1100T) with less than 5800 miles on it, up in Delaware... Talked to the guy a few times and decided to go have a look at it.  My buddy Travis drove me up there on a dark, rainy evening in February and we met with the dude in an Arby's parking lot... Had a look, took it for a spin, and decided to take it home.  The guy had the original owner's manual, all the packaging from the stereo system he'd put on it... even the original advertisement from the dealer (even though he was the second owner.)  He had me sign a bill of sale and everything - which felt very official, but kind of silly sitting in a booth in Arby's.  The only thing that was a little sketchy (read: hilarious and awesome) was the license plate - it was way too late to go to the BMV and get a temporary tag.  And he didn't want to send me home with his legit plates... So he snagged some scrap sheet metal and clear plastic from his job, and made a high quality color photocopy of his license plate... drilled holes in the plastic and metal, and stuck the copy between them.  Bolted it all on, and you'd never have any idea.  I totally forgot about it until I got close enough to touch it.  It definitely served its purpose...  I even rode it a few times when I got it home with the photocopy tag!

Travis was nice enough to take a picture of me on my new toy before we headed home haha

The drive up had taken about an hour and a half but was all highways.  I didn't really want to take that way back south, so we set the "Avoid Highways" options on Travis's GPS in his car, and I just followed him home.  Which was an adventure in itself.

We drove through some of the most hood areas of Baltimore at the time of night when you don't really want to be there... I was just happy that most of the totally reputable and savory individuals out on the street seemed more interested in his Lancer than my bike heh... I also almost hit a cat.  Otherwise, it was a really pleasant drive through hills and back roads.  I would like to get up that way another time during the day.  I mean, not so much the hood, but some of the back roads and the twisties up in Delaware.  But that's something for another post!

After getting my first motorcycle home, I did a little more research on that particular model... Turns out the ACE Tourer is a model that's pretty hard to come by - in all, only around 6000 were made.  It's equally difficult to track down fitment for parts.  Honda made so many different model Shadows around the same time period that it's nearly impossible to know if a part will fit - even if a website claims it will - until you try it.  And then, in the process of replacing the battery, I came to find out mine was actually manufactured in 1999 as a 2000 model year... So, while it is a 2000, all the fitment is to 1999 specs.  It certainly makes things fun...

Anyway, so there you have it - how I came from a bass amp and cabinet to a nearly 40 year old bike to what I ride today.  If you're interested, here's a little photo gallery of the bike from the first couple weeks of me having it... Obviously, as this blog goes on, you'll see pictures of it and any changes I make, accessories I put on, etc.  I've already swapped the seat and have new bars waiting to go on but, again... those are subjects for later entries!

Thanks for reading!  Ride on!

An introduction, of sorts

Greetings and salutations!

This blog is something I've had on my mind for nearly a year now... I'm glad that I finally seem to have found the direction and motivation to make something of it.  And I'm equally thankful that you've taken the time to read it!

Originally, I envisioned this undertaking with a very specific purpose or theme - the idea was, I would do something motorcycle related every week and write about it.  Preferably ride, of course.

So perhaps that was a little ambitious.  Which is not necessarily to say that I didn't ride every week, but I'd say a lot of it was nothing really worth writing about.  Work, class, and life kind of took over and this endeavor got shelved.

Excuses, excuses.

If you know me, you  know that I talk about motorcycles incessantly.  All the time.  Probably second only to music.  With wintertime kind of reaching its apex, motorcycle show season is about to be in full swing, and I've already got the fever for 2012.  Maybe someday I'll be able to not have to take an "off season" but, as I have no where to put my bike to keep it out of the weather, I won't get to do any riding this year until it starts to warm up a bit and the threat of snow has passed.  So what to do with all this pent up motorcycle energy...?

I decided to revisit the biker blog idea (call it a New Years Resolution), but expand the scope a little... And suddenly I had a whole page of ideas for blog topics!  I took that as a solid clue... and that brings us to now.

So this blog will not just be a ride journal, as originally intended.  I definitely plan to include some of that, when the trips are worth writing about... I don't think anyone would be very interested in my random and aimless wanderings - "I rode for a couple hours, realized I had no idea where I was... Stopped, looked at my GPS to figure out how the hell to get home, and went back"... But trips with some structure and planning.  Journeys with destinations... You get the idea.

At this point, I also have a bit of a backlog of stories from the last year.  Hopefully, I can get through them before I hit the road this year so I don't get too behind!

I also intend to discuss gear, accessories, modifications/customization, lifestyle, trips I'm planning or want to take - which is as much for me to keep track of as it is for you, the reader - and whatever else motorcycle related I can think of.

I'm always open to questions, suggestions, ideas, constructive criticism, feedback, thoughts, musings, anecdotes, etc... So please, feel free to comment or share.

And whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or not, I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I enjoy putting it together.

Thanks, and ride on!