MN District, Chapter G
March 2010
Chapter Contact Information
See information on District Website.
Chapter Director's Column
By Jonelle & Bob Keene
We hope those of you still in Minnesota got a chance to go to the International Motorcycle show that was at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This year we were quite impressed with the size and the amount of dealers selling things this year. Last year seemed like there were not as many places to purchase items.
They had lots of cool looking motorcycles to sit on and try.
This year we will not have a full-time ride coordinator so we will need to have people volunteer to lead rides on Tuesday nights. Please start considering if you are available to lead a ride on a Tuesday night. We believe this year we will have a sign-up sheet and hopefully that way we can know who will be leading a ride on a given Tuesday. We will not start our rides officially until May 1st so you have plenty of time to consider leading a ride and thinking of a ride. This way you also can pick out where you want to end for dinner and get your choice.
We hope you are all surviving the winter. We’re over the half way mark now. Spring will be here soon!
From the Chapter Educator
By Al Hansen
Be careful out there!
Assistant Educator:
By; Kevin Higgin
On February 18th in Cottage Grove, MN I found myself driving behind the first motorcycle I've seen on the road this year (a Gold Wing 1500). I was instantly envious, and had an overwhelming urge to run home and get the trike out. As I followed him and watched him navigate around puddles and the melting snow still on the road, the thick slushy spray from an oncoming vehicle caught my attention. That’s when I accepted the fact that my trike will remain garaged a little longer.
Although some riders are hardier than others, as the weather becomes warmer, we will each find the day when we’re comfortable getting our bikes out for the first time of the year. As we do, there are a few things we should do or consider before hitting the open road.
Perform A Thorough TCLOCK Inspection of Your Bike
Tires Controls Lights Oil Chassis Kickstand
Chapter FL-A2 has posted a very comprehensive TCLOCK checklist on their website at the following link http://www.canopyroadcruisers.com/tclock.htm. It would be worth your time to take a look at it.
Take some time to reacquaint yourself with your bike. Practice basic techniques such as braking, shifting, turning and swerving in an empty parking lot or other safe area before going back on the road.
Remember at this time of the year there may be large amounts of sand or snow and ice remaining on the road.
Potholes can be extremely dangerous to a motorcycle and are more common in the early spring. Swerving on a frosty road to avoid hazards such as potholes can be a bit more treacherous than in warmer weather.
Be Mentally Prepared For Your Ride.
The Hurt Study conducted by Harry Hurt, published in 1981 analyzed 4,500 motorcycle accidents. One interesting finding in the report was that 50% of all motorcycle crashes occur during the first 6 minutes of a ride. The factors involved here are most likely due to a lack of attention and concentration on the ride.
How focused on traffic hazards can you be when you're mind is somewhere else?
Before getting on your bike, take a few moments to collect yourself. Leave your stresses behind.
When leaving work and you are dwelling on the events of the day or deadlines you need to meet, you probably aren’t ready to ride. Likewise, when leaving home or other locations, clear your thoughts and focus on the ride ahead before starting your bike.
Plan the trip or route you are about to take.
Anticipate the traffic conditions, you are about to encounter.
Think about the intersections you will be navigating through.
Consider visibility techniques you can use such as lane position and deviation to insure you are seen by other drivers.
Once you have taken the time to actively think about these things and various other safety strategies, you should be more prepared to safely execute your ride and survive those critical “first 6 minutes”.
Although I won’t be out there as early in the year as some of you, or the rider in Cottage Grove, I am looking forward to riding with you all very soon. As long as we all remain focused on safety, 2010 should be a very enjoyable year
March Activity Calendar
There will be no official rides scheduled for October unless you are notified by email. Watch your emails for a possible color ride in October on a Saturday. Ride safe as you enjoy the change in seasons
| March 9th | Social at Gorman’s in Lake Elmo 6 p.m. |
General Info
| Social | 2nd Tuesday of each month at Gorman's Restaurant - 11011 Stillwater Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55043, Phone 651-770-2476, Upstairs back room at 6:00 PM |
| Ride Times | Tuesday night rides leave at 6:30 p.m. |
| Ride Point | West of I-694 at MN Highway 5 and Hadley across from the Holiday Station in Oakdale. Be gassed and ready to go at 6:30p.m. |