10 Packing Tips for Motorcycle Road Trips
Love There’s no doubt that motorcycle road trips can be an experience packed with fun. But road tripping for motorcyclists isn’t as straightforward as it is in a car. You can’t just gas up and drive off to your destination. There’s also a major difference between taking a Sunday ride down a local highway and riding hundreds of miles on a cross-state trip. First-time motorcycle road trips can introduce you to all sorts of new challenges. In fact, a poll of American Motorcyclist Association staff members revealed it can take years of trial and error to learn the best ways to handle a long trip. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can save yourself time and headache by checking out this list of packing tips for your next motorcycle trip from Ryan Jackson of Twisted Road. Don’t Overpack Wear the same clothes under your riding gear every day and change into clean clothes at each stop during the night. Until you can’t bear it, wear your riding clothes, then exchange them for your off-bike clothing and look for a laundromat. If you’re riding a bike, or you go to an event with a lot of other riders, no one’s going to notice if you’re wearing the same t-shirt for three days running. Take half the clothes and double the money you think you’re going to need is the general rule. If more clothes are required, buy them along the way. Keep the Load in the Center Place heavy stuff down low in the front of the saddlebags to keep their weight close to the middle of the bike. Heavy stuff stored above, or too far back, can influence handling. Pack things that you to get at quickly, such as water, a rain suit, or warm clothing in an easily accessible spot. Put your tools and tire repair kit on the bag floor. Pack a separate bag for items that go with you to the motel room so you don’t waste 20 minutes rooting around for your toothbrush in the saddlebags. Keep Space in Mind Changing weather might have you bundled up against the cold to begin the day’s trip and shucking out of it as the day warms. Do a trial pack by putting all your foul-weather gear in the saddlebags, then add the rest of your baggage. That way, when the sun comes out, you’ll still have space to stow your raincoat, hot gear, and thick gloves. Saddle Up Make sure your soft saddlebags and tank bags are placed so that they don’t interfere with your ability to get on or off the bike or to plant your feet firmly at stops. Expandable tank bags are nice until you fill them with so much stuff that they obstruct your vision. The same applies to expandable saddlebags, which can drop enough to scrape into corners, or touch the exhaust or chain when heavily loaded. Take a Trial Run Pack your bike and see if the luggage straps fall loose or rub on the paint for a ride. Take out your foul-weather gear; if it takes longer than a couple of minutes, reconsider how you’ve packed it. To see how the extra weight impacts your stopping distance, do some braking exercises, and familiarize yourself with the handling under various conditions. If you have a passenger with you, both you and all of your baggage should be on the dry run. Must-Pack Items ●Tools In the worst cases, a screwdriver tool roll, a few wrenches, some zip-ties, needle-nose pliers, and a tire-repair kit will come in very handy. If possible, it’s good to have these tools stored on your bike at all times, but especially when you’re a long way away from home. ●Snacks Have a snack or two ready for those days when you’re in the middle of nowhere and still a couple of hundred miles from the nearest diner. ●Base Layers In case you get caught out in colder-than-expected climates, base layers are also nice to have. This can be a form-fit technical base layer, like the Klim Teton, or it can be a t-shirt with long sleeves and a pair of warmer pants that will fit under your gear. Anything that makes it possible to layer up. ●Ancillary Gear Don’t forget a few clothes and any ancillary gear changes that are required for your journey. Many riders want a small tent, sleeping bag, or blanket to camp on the way to a destination, and any other necessities you need to be comfortable outdoors. It’s entirely up to you at the end of the day what comes along for the ride. Just be sure to keep the packing list as slim as possible and the baggage firmly anchored. Don’t Forget the Accessories Once you are all set for your road trip, make sure that you carry all the necessary essentials to avoid any last-minute issues or discomfort. Accessories such as a tire repair kit, chain oil, wax, GPS mounts, and bungees are important. Make a list of all the accessories you plan to bring and then re-check your list once you’ve finished packing. You may also want to take your motorcycle to a mechanic and check all its parts so that during your ride you do not face any complications or problems. Make First-Aid a Priority Muscle pain, insect bites, minor injuries due to accidents, and nausea are a few of the problems you may face on your journey. If you get sick or hurt yourself while on your trip, you’ll want to have all the crucial first-aid and necessary medicines at your disposal. Additional band-aids, bandages, and antiseptic lotions should also be brought so that if you get injured, you have the necessary treatments. Documents are Your Best Companion Laws vary from place to place, so bring all documents you might need in case if your day goes sideways. When you head out for a bike ride, documentation like your vehicle registration, driver’s license, motorcycle
8 Excellent Books Every Motorcycle Rider Needs to Read
Love Riding a motorcycle is one of the most liberating, freeing, and exciting ventures you can ever undertake, even if you’re just heading out to the store and back. Preferably you’re heading out on a road trip or exploring the great outdoors. The raw feeling of riding is unparalleled, and over the years, many novelists, writers, and authors have sought to capture their experiences to share with the world. Here are 8 books that deserve a spot on your bookshelf. 1. MotoGP Technology / Neil Spalding Neil Spalding left his typical career in search of something more. With just a notebook and a camera, he dove into the world of MotoGP to see the technology behind some of the most beautiful machines in the world. To the untrained eye, bikes can seem like simple machines. Two wheels and an engine. But they are so much more, and there is so much detail that goes into every design. Here’s your chance to discover it for yourself. 2. Dream. Believe. Achieve. / Jonathon Rea “Jonathon Rea is someone who won a record number of World Superbike races and four annual titles back to back (2015 to 2018). This book is more than just an autobiography on Rea’s life; it’s a chance to see what human beings are capable of when they put their mind to it. A truly inspirational read,” shares Lisa Marie, a writer at State Of Writing and OX Essays. 3. Easy Rider Original Screenplay Hand’s down one of the best and most popular road trip motorcycle films in the world, this movie follows Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda as they ride on through to Mardi Gras in New Orleans near the end of the 60s. Along the way, in true story fashion, they meet colorful people and happen across a ton of adventures. You’ve probably seen the movie, but if you haven’t then you should. If you want an even greater in-depth experience, then the original screenplay book is something you should look into it. The included essay collection is a must. You won’t regret it. 4. Feel – My Story / Freddie Spencer Freddie Spencer is known throughout the world as being one of the best motorcycle racers in the world. As the name suggests, the book follows Spencer’s story throughout his career, and details all the amazing things he’s accomplished along the way. 5. Alone in the Wind A firm favorite, this book follows Charles Schierek as he travels across America on his Yamaha motorcycle during the peaking hot summer of 2015. This is a true story of endurance and determination spanning 12,000 miles. It’s glorious. 6. Mike The Bike – Again / Ted Macauley This book was originally published back in 1980, but it’s such a famous motorcycling book that it truly never gets old. It follows the nine-time world champion Mike Hailwood. The man is a legend, and it’s amazing what he’s been able to achieve. This is your chance to discover his legacy for yourself. 7. Long Way Round “Actors Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor embarked on an 18,000-mile plus journey from London to New York on just their motorbike, seeing so much that the world has to offer along the way. It’s one of the most amazing stories, and will wet your bite for travel,” shares Duncan Turner, a motorcycle expert at Boomessays and Assignment Writing Service. 8. Racing Together / Nick Harris Capturing and collecting some of the most stunning moments in motorcycle history, Nick Harris’s photo collection spans decades, between the years of 1949 and 2016. MotoGP has grown massively over the years, and this book details that history in a way that no other form of media has. Every season is captured here and being able to see the growth happening in the motorcycle world throughout the years is simply a treat any enthusiast is going to adore. What Books Did We Miss? Tell Us In The Comments Below. Katherine Rundell is a writer at Academic Writing Service and Essay Services services. She is a Motorcycle fan who loves taking long trips at the weekend and meeting other like-minded riders. Katherine is a blogger at Essayroo.com. Love
10 Benefits of Riding a Motorcycle No One Else Will Ever Tell You
Love If you mention motorbikes to most people, you may hear the usual ruckus of them being too dangerous and scary and fast, or some other statements along the lines of ‘you’ll never catch me on one of those’, but is there something they don’t know? Are there plenty of great and unusual things to share about the motorbiking experience? Of course there is. In fact, the list is endless, but I’m gonna condense my favorite benefits of riding a motorcycle down into a top ten list that no one else will ever tell you, especially not your parents when you’re 16 and wanting to get a bike for the first time. 1. They’re Inexpensive First things first. Motorcycles are way more affordable than cars. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of expensive motorcycles and cheap cars out there, but generally speaking, especially if you’re comparing mid-range bikes to mid-range cars, you’re going to be spending a lot less, which also means you don’t have to save as much! 2. The Savings Keep Coming (Lower Insurance) Hand in hand with an affordable initial purchase, insurance costs also tend to be much lower, on average, than the insurance costs of a car. Sure, young riders and new drivers need to pay more until you have the experience behind you, but whereas car owners can pay thousands, you’ll only be paying hundreds. 3. You Can Park Effortlessly Remember driving around the block over and over again while trying to find a parking space to fit your motorcycle? Of course, you don’t. Motorcycles are clearly smaller than cars which mean you can squeeze into even the tiniest of spaces. Sorry cars. Motorcycles win on this point every time. 4. Maintenance is Easier When something goes wrong with your car, and you pop the lid, if you have little experience with a car, your first impression is to sigh, both at the fact your car is busted and you’re going to need to pay for a mechanic. The better you look after any vehicle, the less chance there is of this happening, but with a bike, maintenance is really easy. Like stupidly easy. You’ll still need to learn what you’re doing, but once you’ve mastered the basics, well, you’re pretty much there. Easy systems mean easy maintenance! 5. It’s Romantic “Okay, technical stuff aside, at least for now, there’s nothing more romantic than cuddling up and cruising around the world with a loved one. Local roads or abroad in a remote country, it’s all the same when you’re on a bike. Just, make sure you introduce the concept of getting on a bike nicely. A lot of people have a lot of preconceptions,” says Nick Berry, a travel writer at Australia2Write and Write My X. 6. The Motorcycle Community is Awesome There’s a certain camaraderie between motorcyclists you simply don’t get with other types of driver or any other kind of human for that matter. From motorcycle meetups to nodding in acknowledgement to the strangers you ride past, there’s really nothing like it. 7. Better for the World “Since motorcycles have dramatically better fuel efficiency to most cars, that’s not only good for your wallet or purse but also better for the environment. Less oil, fewer carbon emissions, less of an impact on the planet,” explains Simon Harrison, a lifestyle blogger at Britstudent and Next Coursework. 8. Increased Concentration Naturally, bikes require more concentration and awareness to ride, which means you should be more aware and less likely to be involved in an accident! 9. Resale Value is Outstanding While there comes a time where we need to sell our motorcycles, whether we need to move onto other things or we’re upgrading to a better model (which is clearly more exciting), you may be worried about how much your bike will be worth and what’s the resale price. Well, thankfully, bikes hold their value much greater than cars do, so there’s another win! 10. Riding a Motorcycle is Liberating AF The point you came here for. Motorbikes are cool and fun and exciting, and there’s really no better experience than riding one for yourself. My favorite time is going to work every morning at 5 am. The highway is empty, and the sun is just coming up as you sail down the tarmac. Riding a motorbike makes commuting incredible and unforgettable, and it’s easy to see how so many people are drawn into getting one. Michael Dehoyos is a content marketer and editor at PhD Kingdom and Coursework writing services. He loves nothing more than writing during all hours throughout the week and then cutting loose and escaping to the countryside and open roads during the weekends. Also, he is a writer at Dissertation help Love
2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Moves Forward With Or Without The City
Love Is Sturgis Canceled? Over the past few months the question that has been on everyone’s mind is – will the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally be canceled? “You can’t cancel what you don’t own,” said Randy Peterson, owner of Sturgis.com, the original website dedicated to promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “You can choose to participate or choose not to participate, but the Sturgis Rally will still go on regardless of what the City of Sturgis chooses.” Consensus among area venues, campgrounds and over 50 hospitality businesses is that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is happening, and they will be open to host it. No One Owns the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally The fact there is no “official” owner of the rally is one that is widely misunderstood. Only recently have regional news and media outlets begun to shed more light on this reality. In a recent article published by the Black Hills Pioneer, Jesse James Dupree, co-owner of the Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground, pointed out the federal ruling from the 8th Circuit Court, which addressed the use of Rally trademarks. In that document, the court ruled the City of Sturgis’ involvement and authority over the Rally does not extend past providing municipal services. In 2018, The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the rally is not organized by any single entity but is rather a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations. These court cases began as a trademark dispute between who owns the title “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They additionally brought to light answers to the question of who is the official organizer of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The court stated: “We agree and hold that the jury could not infer from the onerous planning that the City undertakes to provide infrastructure for the rally that the City was the organizer or sponsor of the rally. To allow such an inference would be tantamount to saying that it would be reasonable to infer that the City of New York organizes the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly because of everything it does to assist their occurrence.” A blog article further explaining the implications of the court ruling and providing .pdf court documents can be found here: sturgis.com/blog/sturgis-rally-trademark-officially-struck-down. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was started by a private business owner and private motorcycle club,” said Peterson. “That motorcycle club isn’t even inside Sturgis City limits. According to US Court of Appeals, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been promoted by ‘hundreds of entities’ since.” An entity cannot own something just because their officials say they do. This fact is made very clear when the appeals court went on to state, an “…owner cannot establish that its mark is valid simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is.” If the City of Sturgis votes to not partake in the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it does not mean there will not be a rally. It means the city will not issue vendor permits within city limits, rent out space, make Main Street motorcycles only or provide other municipal services. “You can’t cancel what you don’t own” – Randy Peterson, of Sturgis.com Government Involvement Because the City of Sturgis does not own the rally and the state has shown no inclination to tell people they cannot come, multiple venues, campgrounds and businesses are moving forward. These Black Hills venues and attractions will continue hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally regardless of whether the City of Sturgis votes to promote the rally within the city limits. “It’s what Governor Kristi Noem said early on: ‘The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,’ ” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility. We have a very conscientious political structure here in South Dakota, and that’s because of the people we have here. They’re respectful of people’s civil rights and their right to freedom. We’re here every year to celebrate that freedom.” When Governor Noem announced a July 3rd fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, she was quoted as saying, “If you’re sick stay home, If you’re the vulnerable population and you’re worried about the virus, then you should stay home. People will have all the information they need to know exactly what it will look like out there at Mt. Rushmore so that they can make a decision whether or not they should attend this year.” The same attitude should prevail regarding the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Those who do not feel safe coming to the Sturgis Rally should not come. “The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility.” – Rod Woodruff Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lives of everyone, but much has been learned since the virus was first detected. The public now has access to information on how to best protect themselves and how to live with the virus. Social distancing, wearing a mask, sanitation practices and self-quarantining when symptomatic are all steps the public and businesses can take. Safety is still on people’s minds, but many are starting to realize they can’t hide forever. Department of Health and CDC guidelines are keeping people more informed on how to stay safe while being able to live their lives, and many private businesses are doing their part to help their customers be better protected. Many area businesses and campgrounds have already put in place new guidelines and safeguards to combat the potential spread of COVID-19. Measures at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will include increasing sanitation practices, implementing social distancing measures, providing hand sanitizer throughout the campground and encouraging use of masks. “Our 600 acres allow for people to spread out more than six feet if they want,” said Woodruff. “Folks can choose whether
Is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Canceled?
Love Is Sturgis Canceled? The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Is Not Canceled! Over 50 local businesses confirm they will be open and hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. (listed below) Over the past few months the question that has been on everyone’s mind is – will the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally be canceled? “You can’t cancel what you don’t own,” said Randy Peterson, owner of Sturgis.com, the original website dedicated to promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “You can choose to participate or choose not to participate, but the Sturgis Rally will still go on regardless of what the City of Sturgis chooses.” Consensus among area venues, campgrounds and over 50 hospitality businesses is that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is happening, and they will be open to host it. No One Owns the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally The fact there is no “official” owner of the rally is one that is widely misunderstood. Only recently have regional news and media outlets begun to shed more light on this reality. In a recent article published by the Black Hills Pioneer, Jesse James Dupree, co-owner of the Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground, pointed out the federal ruling from the 8th Circuit Court, which addressed the use of Rally trademarks. In that document, the court ruled the City of Sturgis’ involvement and authority over the Rally does not extend past providing municipal services. In 2018, The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the US District Court ruled the rally is not organized by any single entity but is rather a pluralistic endeavor promoted by multiple organizations. These court cases began as a trademark dispute between who owns the title “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” They additionally brought to light answers to the question of who is the official organizer of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The court stated: “We agree and hold that the jury could not infer from the onerous planning that the City undertakes to provide infrastructure for the rally that the City was the organizer or sponsor of the rally. To allow such an inference would be tantamount to saying that it would be reasonable to infer that the City of New York organizes the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly because of everything it does to assist their occurrence.” A blog article further explaining the implications of the court ruling and providing .pdf court documents can be found here: sturgis.com/blog/sturgis-rally-trademark-officially-struck-down. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was started by a private business owner and private motorcycle club,” said Peterson. “That motorcycle club isn’t even inside Sturgis City limits. According to US Court of Appeals, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been promoted by ‘hundreds of entities’ since.” An entity cannot own something just because their officials say they do. This fact is made very clear when the appeals court went on to state, an “…owner cannot establish that its mark is valid simply by getting its officials and agents to say that it is.” If the City of Sturgis votes to not partake in the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it does not mean there will not be a rally. It means the city will not issue vendor permits within city limits, rent out space, make Main Street motorcycles only or provide other municipal services. “You can’t cancel what you don’t own” – Randy Peterson, of Sturgis.com Government Involvement Because the City of Sturgis does not own the rally and the state has shown no inclination to tell people they cannot come, multiple venues, campgrounds and businesses are moving forward. These Black Hills venues and attractions will continue hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally regardless of whether the City of Sturgis votes to promote the rally within the city limits. “It’s what Governor Kristi Noem said early on: ‘The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,’ ” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility. We have a very conscientious political structure here in South Dakota, and that’s because of the people we have here. They’re respectful of people’s civil rights and their right to freedom. We’re here every year to celebrate that freedom.” When Governor Noem announced a July 3rd fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, she was quoted as saying, “If you’re sick stay home, If you’re the vulnerable population and you’re worried about the virus, then you should stay home. People will have all the information they need to know exactly what it will look like out there at Mt. Rushmore so that they can make a decision whether or not they should attend this year.” The same attitude should prevail regarding the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Those who do not feel safe coming to the Sturgis Rally should not come. “The government’s role is not to run people’s lives, but to give them information by which they can make informed decisions,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO and President Rod Woodruff. “Beyond that, it’s a personal responsibility.” – Rod Woodruff Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lives of everyone, but much has been learned since the virus was first detected. The public now has access to information on how to best protect themselves and how to live with the virus. Social distancing, wearing a mask, sanitation practices and self-quarantining when symptomatic are all steps the public and businesses can take. Safety is still on people’s minds, but many are starting to realize they can’t hide forever. Department of Health and CDC guidelines are keeping people more informed on how to stay safe while being able to live their lives, and many private businesses are doing their part to help their customers be better protected. Many area businesses and campgrounds have already put in place new guidelines and safeguards to combat the potential spread of COVID-19. Measures at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will include increasing sanitation practices, implementing social distancing measures, providing hand sanitizer throughout the campground and encouraging
5 Reasons Why You’ll Like Motorcycle Touring (A Beginner’s Guide)
Love Motorcycles are amazing! Riding them gives you a sense of joy, peace, and freedom. Feeling the wind and being one with the environment around you is exhilarating. A sheer passion for visiting the corners of the world on a two-wheeled machine alone would be enough reason for many of us to ride. It’s a bond that no other mode of travel can match. However, there are plenty of other reasons that might lure you into kickstarting your lifelong love affair with a motorcycle. Read on to see which excites you the most. 1. Challenge Motorcycle riding is a challenging task, and for many, the challenge brings out the best in us. Problems like clutch slipping and flat tires aren’t uncommon. Riding can also involve extreme conditions, and the risk is far greater than other modes of travel. As compared to automobiles, which have become quite machine-oriented these days, motorcycle riding requires skill, confidence and an enormous amount of concentration. You have to keep your focus on a multitude of things like balance, brakes and speed. It’s these challenges that give you a feeling of contentment and satisfaction at the end of the ride. 2. Freedom Freedom is why many prefer riding motorcycles over any other vehicle. Bikes take you to places where automobiles can’t. You don’t need a solid plan while you are on the road. The control lies in your hands. You can ride to most any place you see on your journey. Motorcycles provide you the opportunity to be close to your environment—to see unobstructed natural wonders and take beautiful pictures. They also ensure fewer distractions on the way. Most of the time when you’re riding, there is very little chance you’d feel compelled to take your phone out. It’s just you and your bike, and that’s all you need to create memories on the way. 3. Brotherhood The motorcycle community is one of the friendliest communities in the world. Most riders you meet on the road, whether they know you or not, will throw you a wave, giving you a sense of security that you are not alone. Other riders are often helpful and happy to assist if you happen to break down. In many countries, you’ll find biker bars and cafes along your route. These places will give you a chance to socialize and engage with likeminded people from your community. Attending bike shows and rallies like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will also further strengthen your bond with other riders. 4. Health Motorcycle riding contributes greatly to positive health. When you’re riding, your brain stimulates and keeps negative distractions at bay. Many find this a beneficial way to cope with depression or other mental stress. Riding also involves physical exercise, as you’ll need core strength and stability to sit on your vehicle for long hours. Neck strength, knee strength and calorie burns are some other great health benefits. Motorcycle riding is fun, and it boosts endorphins, which improves mood. 5. Customization To add to the fun, many bikers like modifying their rides to suit their personality and needs. Customized bikes can provide performance enhancement and a feeling of uniqueness. There’s an infinite number of modifications you can do. However, check out the local laws and consult your regional transport office before giving a green signal to the customization. In many countries, there are customization rules which, when not followed, could lead you into legal trouble. Motorcycle touring is fun, and no matter which reason you choose once you are on the road, there will be many things you’ll learn. Be safe while you ride and enjoy the ride. What attracts you most about motorcycle touring? Tell us in the comments below. About the Author: Rebecca Siggers is a passionate writer and guest blogger. Writing has helped her to improve her knowledge, skills and understanding about specific industries. She loves writing and sharing her knowledge, specifically in the travell industry. She believes travelling is the key to a peaceful life and wants to spread this belief across the world. Apart from writing, she loves traveling and reading. Love
8 Essential Skincare Tips for Motorcycle Riders
Love Whether you’re taking a road trip across the country or going for a joy ride, protection is everything. You make sure your bike is well maintained, you wear the proper gear, and you keep your head on a swivel to stay aware of your surroundings. But what about your skin? All those hours on the road can take a toll on your skin. Sun, sweat, and road grime leave you feeling dirty, and their effects eventually become visible in the form of dry skin, age spots, and wrinkles. Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to take away from time on your bike – a few minutes here and there can make all the difference. 1. Always Wear Sunscreen Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 SPF or higher about 30 minutes before you hit the road. Be sure to hit all areas of exposed skin like your face, neck, and hands. If you’re not wearing a jacket, consider at least wearing long sleeves to reduce sun exposure. You’ll need to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re sweating in the heat. 2. Cover Your Face Unless you wear a helmet with a tinted visor, your face may be left unprotected during your ride. Wear sunglasses to keep the sun from directly contacting your skin or consider upgrading your helmet. Wearing a bandana around your lower face may provide an added layer of protection from sun as well as bugs and road grit. 3. Carry Cleansing Wipes When you pull over to take a riding break, give your face a quick wipe down. Cleansing wipes are easy to carry in your travel bag, and they’re a simple way to clean the sweat, dirt, and grime from your face, hands, and neck. If you don’t have any, a quick rinse with clean water will do. 4. Wear Lip Balm Long hours on the road can dry out your lips, causing them to become dry and chapped. Lip balm is a must for motorcycle riders, and be sure to choose one with SPF protection. You’ve never really experienced sunburn until you’ve had it on your lips and, trust us, you won’t make that mistake twice. 5. Drink Plenty of Water Proper hydration is essential for good health, and that includes your skin. When you don’t drink enough water, your skin can become dry, flaky, and tight. Carry a hydration bag while you ride and sip throughout the day. Having to make an extra pit stop is worth it to avoid the effects of dehydration. It also doesn’t hurt to drink a glass of water before you enjoy your post-ride beer. 6. Wash Up After a Ride The evidence of a long day’s ride will be all over your skin when you finally arrive home. Even if you don’t shower right away, it’s a good idea to wash your face as soon as possible to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and other debris. The longer it stays on your skin, the more likely it is to clog your pores and cause an outbreak of acne. A gentle cleanser and lukewarm water is all you really need for a thorough clean. 7. Treat Your Skin After washing away all that grit and grime, it’s time to do a little skin repair. Aloe vera is great for sunburn and a hydrating face mask will help repair severely dry or damaged skin. Apply acne medication as needed and your preferred wrinkle cream or serum. Top it all with moisturizer to seal in hydration. 8. Keep Your Gear Clean Your motorcycle gear keeps you safe on the road, but it has a tendency to soak up sweat and oil. Wash your helmet pads, straps, and other gear that comes into contact with your skin using mild, fragrance-free detergent. Clean gear feels better and it makes all the difference for your skin. Just because you choose to spend most of your time on the road doesn’t mean you have to look like it. Taking care of your skin as a motorcycle rider is easy – all it takes is a few simple steps before, during, and after every ride. These quick tips will keep your skin looking its best. Do you have your own skincare tips and tricks? Share them with other riders in the comments below! About the Author Amelia Ma is a freelance writer from Burlingame, California who has been riding for 5 years. She enjoys writing articles for professionals that are interested in health, wellness, and riding. In her spare time, you’ll find her riding in the city exploring local coffee shops in search of a new favorite. Love
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!!
Love Back in the good old days when I was riding a rigid frame Pan with a Linkert M74, kick start, 15 over wide glide, mechanical rear brake (no front brake) foot clutch-jockey shift, I dreamed about the future and owning a bike I didn’t need to kick start or adjust carb for altitude, and was comfortable most of the time. I now own a 2010 Dyna glide…96 inches…fuel injection…gets 45 miles to the gallon and hauls ass (at least I think its fast.) And you gotta know….. I wish I had my old Panhead that I kick started, rode to work even on rainy days, so I could pull those four foot wheelies while powershifting that fucking Jockey top with Suicide clutch! What goes around come around as they say! The attached image is a Knuck but close to what I was riding in 1972! Fucking floppy-sloppy mechanical brake pedal. Electric motorcycles?…….burn’em all! Or at least unplug’em! Love
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SUICIDE SHIFTER!
Love SUICIDE CLUTCH RIDING WITH NO FRONT BRAKE REALLY IS SUICIDE! I’ve seen the term “suicide shifter” used in describing a plain old ordinary tank shift. Simple ignorance caused that. There is however such a thing as a “Suicide Clutch.” I’ll tell ya why. Back in the good old days, long before foot shift was standard equipment, tank shift and foot clutch was the method used. Let’s use Harley-Davidson motorcycles as an example. The foot clutch was of the rocker type, meaning it could be “rocked” to the disengaged position, and it would stay in that position until the rider nudged it with his or her foot in the opposite direction. The rider would then control the RATE OF engagement with the foot. In other words the clutch was not spring loaded. Clutch pedal movement was determined by foot position. If the rider slid his foot off the clutch pedal while it was in the disengaged position it would stay disengaged. The stock rocker clutch did have a spring that would pull the pedal towards the engaged position only after the clutch was “rocked” out of the disengaged position. Safety first for this style clutch. Early Chopper builders modified the rocker clutch so it was spring loaded, and would not stay “rocked out” in the disengaged position.This allowed for much faster clutch action. It also meant that the rider had to maintain foot pressure on the clutch to keep it disengaged. NO big deal! Many early chopper builders/riders/Outlaw bikers also decided to remove the front brake. This was done not only for cosmetic reasons, removing the front brake also lightened the motorcycle by quite a bit. If you look at old chopper photos from the 1950’s and 1960’s, even through the 1970s, many times you’ll see custom bikes or chopper with a clean looking front-end that has no front brake. This is when the suicide name caught on. A motorcycle rider while riding up steep hills such as found in the city of San Francisco was subject to red lights like all the other traffic. If that rider was riding a chopper equipped with no front brake, hand shift (jockey shift or tank-shift) and a clutch that was modified to act as a spring loaded clutch, that rider could not easily stop and start at traffic lights. If the rider stopped at light on a steep hill using the right foot on the brake, the transmission would need to be neutral. The right foot would be holding the brake engaged the left foot would be on the ground with the left leg holding the bike upright. It took speed and coordination to quickly put the right foot down to hold the bike up, then the left foot to push the clutch pedal down, the left hand would slam the tranny into first, and the rider could then let the clutch out and go. This was virtually impossible to do on a very steep hill, so riders took to running the traffic lights rather than attempting a stop & go. More than a few were killed in the process. And that, my friends is how the suicide clutch got his name. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! Enough riders were killed for other riders (and the cops) to consider it suicide to ride a motorcycle equipped as described. But then again, all the macho guys went straight to the suicide set-up, for macho reasons alone. Back in the good old days real bikers shunned the wearing of leather. Back then, only sissies wore leather. Also, if a jockey-top is mounted rather than a ratchet-top (four speed transmission only) when hand shifting, blazingly fast power shifts can be made, and wheelies will happen. It’s more fun than a high speed chase! I rode a rigid frame Panhead for years with a foot-clutch, jockey shift, and no front brake. I purchased the motorcycle so equipped and once I got familiar with it, I saw no reason to change. I also wore a leather jacket; I like my skin too much I guess. When myself and friends rode up to San Francisco to cruise the Haight Ashbury district, the guys with front brakes rode behind the guys without front brakes, and held them in place on the steep hills at traffic lights by putting their front wheel against my and others rear wheel. That’s what friends are for. Hardly anyone runs without a front brake these days, but there are a few. See the photo of the purple bike seen here. Foot clutch, no front brake, and hand shift. The owner makes a point of riding it exclusively on flat roads. I don’t blame him, anything else is beyond scary. Then again, I miss my old Panhead; I must have put 200,000 miles on that bike without committing suicide. Came close a few times though. I’ll tell ya about one of those later on. Buck bucklovell.com Love
COVID-19 Update: Sturgis Rally 80th Moving Forward as Planned
LoveUpdated May 29, 2020 We would like to take a moment to let you know that we are monitoring the coronavirus situation closely. The Sturgis Rally is months away and experts predict the coronavirus will have peaked and continue to be in decline before the end of summer. The president recently announced plans to reopen the economy and businesses. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem released an executive order on April 28 that included South Dakota’s “Back to Normal” plan. We continue to remain optimistic. The rally is still on and has NOT been postponed. Since the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is put on by many different venues and organizations, and not owned by any one organization, we will keep an updated list of all the Sturgis Rally venues that have publicly stated their position in regard to the coronavirus below. No Sturgis Rally Venue Has Postponed or Canceled Their Event. Concerts, events, and activities are on schedule for late summer. We look forward to seeing you August 7-15, 2020 at the 80th Sturgis Rally. Organizations that have made public statements about 80th Sturgis Rally and the coronavirus so far include: Sturgis Buffalo Chip – Moving forward as planned. They have had one band cancelation but say they are looking for replacements for any bands that cancel. Glencoe Camp Resort – Moving forward as planned. Pappy Hoel Campground – Moving forward as planned. City of Sturgis – Moving forward as planned. Since the City of Sturgis only controls what happens in Sturgis city limits and the vast majority of Rally activities (including riding, camping and events) happen at venues and campgrounds outside of the city limits it would take more than the city banning people from town to shut down the Sturgis Rally. It’s important to know what other Sturgis Rally promoter’s positions are as well. Sturgis Buffalo Chip President, Rod Woodruff has been releasing weekly videos to keep fans updated on the situation. He says that the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is planning to move forward with the Sturgis Rally. See the full Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s videos and COVID-19 statement here. Mayor Mark Carstensen said previously that the city is still planning for the Sturgis motorcycle rally held annually in August. “We’re 100 percent planning the rally,” said Carstensen at a March 25 news briefing at Sturgis City Hall. On April 23, the City of Sturgis stated they will make a final decision on what will happen within city limits in its June 15 city council meeting. For complete updates on Sturgis rally news inside and outside of town, and in the surrounding Black Hills, subscribe to the Sturgis.com Newsletter. Love
