Rider Tips Safety

You may be the most conscientious rider on the face of the planet, but no one has Superman’s capabilities to stop idiots on four wheels plus. Did we say idiots on four wheels? Not very polite, my apologies. Idiots come on two wheels too, usually not for long though! Most of the accidents that happen are the result of going too fast in terrain you don’t know.

The roads are in great condition, it is a beautiful day and you feel the need for speed. The temptation to open er' up is there and you end up taking a turn too fast, laying the bike over and possibly resulting in other bikers crashing in a chain reaction. I’ve seen it too many times. But I digress…where were we? Oh yeah…

Day travel, headlights on at all times Travel no more than 200 miles a day Pick your wingman, aka-riding buddy, safety in numbers.

Riders staggered, NOT side by side. Stay in the slow lane unless passing, Space yourself so you are able to see each other in your side view mirrors, Know the hand signals ahead of time, (and we are referring to the safety hand signals, not the one fingered salute) Keep your eyes where you want the bike, if you look to the side of the road that is where you will end up. Avoid gravel roads, roads under construction and keep an eye out for road hazards.

We have lots of friends, wives, significant others that have admitted to falling asleep while riding on the back of the bike. The hum of the road, the vibration of the bike and the sun on your face is all it takes to lull you to sleep. Luckily, we don’t personally know of any passenger who has fallen off a bike due to dreaming on the back, mainly because they were all riding full dressers and those little armchairs on the back kept them in their seat. Just another good reason to stop at least once an hour to walk it off or take those john/smoke/coffee/photo op breaks.

Don't you even think this is a full set of Safety instructions. Please refer to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) website. I highly recommend taking a course (beginner or advanced) such as theirs. You can always learn things, even if you an old dog. This information I've picked up from experience, reading or talking to Riders Edge instructor.