MC Nation Podcast

Stupid kills. Yeah, I said it. Let me give you an example from this weekend. As most of you know, I am a motorcycle safety instructor in the ABATE of Indiana program and I also am a certified state motorcycle license examiner. Saturday morning I was testing the 60 people that showed up and this older gentleman was there to take the test. When it came time for his group to take the test I read the disclaimer and explained the first test sequence. When I asked if there were any questions he looked at me like he was unsure if he could do what I just asked him to do. He said, “I am 63 years old!” I replied, “Yeah.” The group erupted in laughter, which was not my intention as I do not go out of my way to embarrass anyone.

I ran the group through the sharp left turn and normal stop and this guy loses points on both. If you can not perform these skills then there is no way you can do the weave and the u-turn. I failed him right after the weave. In Indiana you can test up to 3 times on a learner’s permit. If you fail 3 times you have to retake the written test and wait 30 days before you can test again. But, they allow you to test twice in the same day if you choose. Well this guy decided to go for the second test. I got him through the turn and stop again and, of course, he failed in the weave and u-turn again. He tried pleading his case before we started the weave by telling me that he was disabled and he never rides his bike over 45 mph anyway. I told him that he probably should not be riding a motorcycle then. His reply was that he had medication for his disability. I told him that if he took meds that he definitely did not need to be riding and he probably is not supposed to be driving a car. He made sure that I knew that he was allowed to drive a car.

Bottom line. Stupid kills. I failed him on the spot. My name is not going on a permit saying that he even has the basic skills to operate a motorcycle.

Ride Safe
Steve & the MC Nation

Literally. Seeing red. How many times has this played out in your experiences? You pull up to a red light and bring your motorcycle to a smooth, safe stop. Cross traffic begins to thin and you prepare to proceed through the light to your destination. As the cross traffic begins to come to a stop, you begin to anticipate the changing of the light by easing your clutch into the friction zone and letting the motorcycle slowly start to edge forward. Just then it happens. The traffic traveling the opposite direction begins to proceed but your light does not change. You wait as the same scenario of thinning out takes place and then they come to a stop and cross traffic begins to move again. You begin to see red. Literally. In more ways than one.

This is a problem everywhere. The sensors buried in the pavement are supposed to detect the metal mass above them to trigger a light change. Most cities have the sensitivity set to detect automobiles which have far more mass to them than a motorcycle. So, you do not get detected sitting there and you see more and more red as the lights cycle. So, what options do we have when faced with this predicament? Wait for a car to pull up or run the light are about our only options outside of purchasing a “Green Light Trigger”, a device that proclaims the ability to trigger the sensors. I am somewhat skeptical of this, but if any of you readers have first hand knowledge, let us know.

California has taken measures to mandate that any new installations have sensitivity settings that will detect motorcycles and even bicycles. Other states have passed red-light laws. These laws allow you to safely proceed through the red light if the light is not being triggered. My experience has been that most occurrences happen in left turn lanes, but my research has shown that it often happens at throughways as well. Either way, it is a frustrating experience when your choice is to wait or illegally run the light.

The states that are allowing motorcycles to safely proceed through the light, legally, if it will not trigger have provided a simple approach to solving the problem without spending taxpayer money. Hats off to Minnesota for leading the charge to allowing this law back in 2003. Since then, Tennessee, Arkansas, Idaho, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and South Carolina have seen the light as well (no pun intended). There are currently proposed bills in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Missouri. I like this law. My only problem is that there are irresponsible motorcyclists out there that will not safely check for traffic and will lose their lives. When this happens, the cries will not cease to echo in the halls of the state legislatures. If you live in one of the states that allow this action, please be responsible and be safe. Let’s show the safetycrats that this can work and see if we can’t get it adopted in other states as well.

As always, I encourage your comments whether you agree with me or not!
Ride Safe
Steve & the MC Nation

In the past few weeks two rides have taken place that have so much meaning. Although one is a national level ride and the other is a local ride I feel that they hold great importance. The first ride is the Run for the Wall, which I assume most of us have at least heard of, and the second is the Miracle Ride.

The Run for the Wall web site provides us with the following:

“Mission Statement: To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.”

This ride actually starts on the West Coast in Ranch Cucamonga, CA. Over an approximately 11 day period, the ride runs two routes that cross the United States and end up in Washington, DC for the Memorial Day weekend. The ride has preplanned stops and actually picks up additional riders at these stops as well as people joining in anywhere along the way. There are many festivities to hold your interest at the end of the ride but the most important event, of course, is the opportunity to attend the Memorial ceremony at the Wall. If you have never had the opportunity to experience the Wall I urge you to make your way to Washington and do so. Don’t forget to check out all the war memorials while you are there. There is something different about the Wall though. To see all the names of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice that allows us to remain free is a special feeling.

If I recall correctly, I believe that I have seen estimated numbers of 250,000+ participants. What an awesome sight that must be. I have had the desire to attend this ride for many years but have not found the time to do so. It is one of my wish rides that I hope to do before my time is up. I encourage any patriotic motorcyclist to add this to your list of rides.

The Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital is a ride that began fourteen years ago. The proceeds of the ride are donated to the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. Riley uses the funds to pay for care for children whose parents can not. Motorcyclists have raised over 2 million dollars for the hospital over the past fourteen years. This is by far the biggest ride in the state of Indiana both in donated dollars and in number of participants.

On Saturday of Miracle Ride weekends, the motorcycles leave from various sites around the state and converge on Indianapolis. This year the poker runs raised over $250,000 alone. On Sunday, the day of the big ride, additional riders show up and pay their donation to ride as well. 7500+ motorcycles participate. In 2007, over $325,000 was raised in total. The Sunday ride is a fun day. The ride is normally led by Bob & Tom, of the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show hosted at WFBQ in Indy, Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oil, and members of the Indianapolis Colts.

The ride leaves the staging area and takes a route through the streets of Indianapolis ending across the street from the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An awesome bonus to this ride is that you get to take a lap on the track where so much history has been made. It is quite an experience to cruise around the track and see what the drivers actually see. That track is not as flat as it looks on TV. As cool as that sounds, there is something even better about this ride. At the beginning of the ride, shortly after leaving the staging lot, all the motorcycles pass in front of the hospital. Hospital staff and parents are sitting on the sidewalk with signs waving at the riders as we go by. It is truly hard to hold back tears knowing that those children, and hundreds of others, are in that hospital fighting diseases that could potentially kill them. The feeling you get knowing that you are helping these children and parents, even in such a small way, is indescribable.

This ride gets riders from many states. Fourteen states were represented this year. If you live in a state that is close to Indiana I encourage you to come ride with us for an awesome cause. Motorcyclists have huge hearts when it comes to children. What are the motorcyclists of your state or country doing to help? Leave your comments.

Ride Safe
Steve & the MC Nation

The bombings in Jaipur, India yesterday are believed to have been executed by a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle. As I reflected on this news, I began to recall many other instances in recent history where a motorcyclist was believed to have been responsible for the act of terror. Where are the bombs? Is the motorcycle laden with the bombs or does the rider actually carry them on his person? Can people not identify these terrorists and take them out before they hit the target area?

There are numerous instances recently where the motorcycle was used to carry out such bombings. A quick search led me to articles on bombings in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Phillipines, and more in India. I did learn that not all motorcycle bombings occur by riding into the area and detonating or running the motorcycle into an obstruction to force detonation. In March of ‘08, a motorcycle with a rider and passenger rode by a mosque in Nepal and the passenger threw the bomb in as they passed killing two and injuring many more.

And bombings are not the only thing that motorcyclists are being blamed for. Throughout the world they are being used for quick escapes after political assassinations, robberies, and also for drive by purse snatchings. We have not experienced this in the US that I know of and hope we do not. Besides the senseless killings there are other repercussions that will become of this problem. We will begin to see many countries outlawing two wheeled transportation. This causes many problems. Many countries use the two wheeler as a main mode of transportation due to the number of people trying to move within the cities at one time. Traffic congestion is cut remarkably by using a motorcycle or scooter and the environmental impact of a motorcycle is far less than that of four wheeled vehicles. Fuel consumption is another factor.

Perhaps the largest impact from a ban on two wheelers would be felt in those countries that have remote regions that are medically serviced by motorcycle doctors. Four wheelers can not access the places that the motorcycle does and the need that these doctors fill is important. So, you can see that it would be a shame for these terrorist activities to continue because these countries will look at banning two wheeled transportation. If it ever became prevalent in the United States, congress would have no problem placing that ban.

But, what can we do about it? I really have no solution. You have to stop the terrorists. My only solution is to train police, military, and specially trained civilians to identify and take out these people before they can do damage. Anyone else have anything?

Ride Safe

Steve and the MC Nation

As I rode to work this morning enjoying the cool, crisp air it occurred to me just how fortunate I am to be able to ride a motorcycle. There are many people out there who would love to experience the ride but can not for many reasons. I have been blessed with the finances to be able to enjoy this great sport. I also have coordination to manipulate the clutch and throttle on take off and during the shift process. I am able to use the clutch and both brakes simultaneously as I downshift during a stop, which is a feat similar to playing the drums. Four limbs moving at once. Both hands and both feet working in harmony to slow and get the motorcycle to stop smoothly. I also have been blessed with the physical strength to be able to bring the motorcycle off the sidestand and upright.

These things we take for granted every day. I could not imagine loving something so much and not being able to participate. The motorcycle industry has made great strides in attempting to make motorcycling accessible to anyone. I applaud them for the three wheelers they produce so that people who have lost lower limbs, or those who just do not have the leg strength to hold up a 600 lb. motorcycle, can enjoy riding. I thank the manufacturers that provide automatic motorcycles or “paddle” shifting motorcycles so that those with prosthetic arms can enjoy a ride. In the early 1980’s, one of my classmates, who had lost his left arm just below the elbow, rode a Hondamatic around. I appreciate the innovation from all the manufacturers of items that bring those with disabilities closer to the sport.

I have never experienced anything in life that equals the feeling of freedom or that provides me calmness of life like motorcycling does. I am grateful to all those that make the dream come true for all of us.

Ride Safe

Steve and the MC Nation

Some states have mandated that anyone wanting to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their license must pass a motorcycle safety course. This brings up many issues. I will be blogging on this subject in the next few days.

I want to ask you, whether your ride a motorcycle or not, do you agree that a rider safety course should be mandatory? Leave it in comments!

Thanks for your support!

Steve and the MC Nation

I felt that I should write a quick post just to let you all know that I have not forgotten about you. I value each and everyone of you that take the time to read my thoughts and those of you waiting patiently for me to get the podcast up.

This weekend life has happened. My granddaughter, who is living with us, just came home from the hospital yesterday (after a 7 week stay), I have had to deal with problems at my safety site, and I am working on a 16 page paper for school that is due in 4 days. I can’t wait to get back on a more normal schedule and get back to the blog and the quest for that podcast. Thank you very much for your patience and please bear with me.

Steve and the MC Nation Podcast

There are many faces to motorcyclists in the eyes of the general public. They see the bikers with the ten thousand mile stare that would just as soon shoot you as look at you. There is the young, aggressive motorcyclist. The husband and the wife that love to tour together. Don’t forget the RUBS (Rich Urban Bikers). And then just your everyday average Joe.

I can’t tell you which one of the above perceptions is most often tagged on motorcyclists but I can tell you that the public has noticed one important thing. They have noticed that motorcyclists have huge hearts and deep pockets. Charity rides have almost become an epidemic. It has not been too many years ago that you might find one or two charity rides in your local area in any given month. Today, in the Indy metro area, I can pretty much assure you that I can choose from 5 or more a week. This is within a fifty mile radius of downtown.

These rides vary from rides to benefit sick children, these are money makers, to fundraisers for school books or some other cause. Over the years, those people who would not go near a motorcycle have noticed the cash cow that many rides can become. They find someone willing to throw together a ride and they count the money. It seems like there is no limit to reasons for throwing together a ride. Joe and Mary’s house burnt down. Little Nicky has some disease. The humane society needs dog or cat food. The local school could use new playground equipment. And so on, and so on, etc.

The problem with the number of rides available on any given weekend is that they actually take away revenue from each other. Motorcyclists love to ride and they love to do charity rides. But, the pockets only go so deep and they can not be in two places at once. So, they are forced to make a decision and attend one ride. The dollars are stretched pretty thin and all rides suffer in today’s world. So, my personal suggestions for choosing a ride.

Avoid the rides that have all the stops at bars (for safety reasons).
Try to find the ride that actually gives the biggest part of your dollar to the cause.
Choose a ride that is actually helping something or someone.
Believe in the cause that you are riding for.

I am involved with a ride to raise money for type 1 juvenile diabetes research. This ride is the Dallas and Reid’s Ride and takes place in Plainfield, Indiana in September. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Iacocca Foundation (check out joinleenow.org) to fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. The ride is the single largest fundraiser for the foundation every year and averages about $65,000 per ride. If you are in Indiana in September come look me up. Food, bands, and other fun for less than $20. This is the type of ride that needs supported. Where are you going to get a bargain like that?

The other ride that I like to participate in is the Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital which raises money for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indy. In the 14 year history of this event, Midwest motorcyclists have raised nearly $2,000,000 for the hospital. Please check that one out.

When you choose your ride for the weekend, choose the ride that provides the best bang for your buck. I don’t mean taking the attitude of “What is in it for me?” but the where is my money needed most and which cause will my money benefit the most people. You spend a few bucks, have a great time, and you go home feeling like you have made a difference. Please shoot me your comments. And, if you live near or far and can make either one of these rides, please let us know you will be in town.

Ride Safe

Steve and the MC Nation

Well, i had a good day today. We had a zoning issue going on with one of our Indianapolis safety sites so I decided to go and witness municipal government at work. I got to the hearing at 1 pm and we had to wait our turn. Thought I would be gone at 3 or so but it turned out that there were a few other matters on the docket that really took up time. Try 1-1/2 hours to argue a variance for a restaurant to put a firepit into an outside eating area and 3 hours for a neighborhood to argue with T-Mobile about putting a cell tower up. We finally got our turn at about 7:15 and we got done at 8:15.

What a way to spend a birthday! All that matters was we won and we can start conducting classes again at a local dealer. So, all in all a good day. This is going to have to do for a post tonight as it is already almost 11 pm. Check back tomorrow for more motorcycle related news.

Ride Safe

Steve and the MC Nation

The local newspaper, The Indianapolis Star, ran a story about a young man that lost his life in a motorcycle accident this weekend. The reporter actually only told part of the story, which is a little surprising. Normally the first thing reported is that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. It is not even mentioned in this story. But, don’t stop there. Check out the comments left on the story and you will start to see other information. I did not know this person personally but I am friends with people that were close to him.

I was told that there was a history of extremely fast riding. I heard from one of my sources, even before I read the comments for the story, that the estimated speed was 130 mph. There was a hill in the area of the accident and at the estimated speed, or a much lower speed, it would be impossible to stop the motorcycle prior to impact after cresting the hill. i also received information that the skid marks were in excess of 40 feet long. What reason is there to run that type of speed on any road meant for general transportation? Some people want to ban motorcycles for actions such as this. Others want to ban sportbikes only. You could almost compare it to the handgun issue that we have here in the United States. Guns do not kill people,the person pulling the trigger does. Motorcycles do not run 130 mph without someone there to roll on that throttle. It is all about responsibility. I know hundreds of people that ride sportbikes that have never seen speeds over 75 mph which would pass on almost any highway here. Responsibility.

We are shooting ourselves in the foot. We are bringing unnecessary negative attention to our nation and we need to stop. Look at the comments to the story. Funkyzero writes that their children will never ride a motorcycle. MissLinda basically said that most people have problems with the riders. The problem is that when people see someone running at light speed, performing a stoppie, or riding a wheelie down the highway, they don’t differentiate between a responsible rider and an irresponsible one. They see a motorcycle. So, all motorcyclists are irresponsible in their eyes.

This situation is a very unfortunate one but definitely one that could have easily been avoided. Irresponsibility is a stereotype that we can not afford to have tagged on us. Let’s police our nation and save lives at the same time. Our thoughts go out to both families and anyone who is affected by the senseless death.

Ride Safe

Steve and the MC Nation