Ride Like a Pro - Great Lakes

August 2010

A few things to consider

Motorcycle riding is all about choice, but there is much more to it. I have identified several key elements that play hand in hand with riding a motorcycle as a private citizen, whether you ride solo or are involved with a group or organization.

§ SAFETY:

I have yet to have one single person who rides a motorcycle or is a passenger on one look me straight in the eye and tell me honestly that they don’t care about safety, or that the message is “BS,” or that they never give it a thought. If they do, they are flat-out liars or they are living a false bravado – take your pick. We ALL want to be safe…how much simpler can it be said? And safety is all of our responsibilities, not only to ourselves, but to those around us.

§ CHOICE:

Every day life has risks. By the grace of the almighty, we have the ability to make choices, which can be a real challenge in itself. We are the ones who get to choose exactly what risks we want to take, and just how far we want to push our luck. The yardstick by which we individually measure these risks lies within our own mind, and deep down we know our limitations. So we must be honest with ourselves, and be aware of the consequences these risks hold. Always strive to make the right choices that will give you the best chance to come home from every ride safe and unharmed.

§ PEER PRESSURE:

Nowhere in our culture is peer pressure more prevalent or more powerful than within the motorcycling community. Think it isn’t? Just take a look around you and see for yourself. Ever heard the phrase; “you have to go along to get along?” That’s a good example of peer pressure. Don’t get me wrong, some peer pressure is good, so long as it is positive, constructive and not dangerous. It’s the peer pressure that takes you out of your own comfort zone that can be the most dangerous and even life-threatening, but you keep it deep inside. You have to be willing to be completely honest with yourself to see where the dividing line is between fun and dangerous, and be willing to make a CHOICE to accept it and go along, or do the smart thing and walk away from it…the choice is yours.

§ IMAGE:

There is a persona, a look, a style, that all bikers have, but it doesn’t stop at the black leather clad crowd, it encompasses a variety of groups and styles. I don’t need to go into the various examples of “images” we have in the motorcycling community. Let’s just agree that there are many diversified ones, and let it go at that. All are unique, have a certain flair, meaning and even culture, especially to the individual who is involved in it whatever group he or she wants to embrace. Please remember one thing – never, ever compromise your safety or that of others around you for the sake of image “IF” that image is more about a certain “look” than it is about protection or riding right.

§ GROUPTHINK:

I read an interesting article a few years ago about “Groupthink.” Loosely translated, it is a phenomenon that occurs in a cohesive group when members let their need to agree with each other interfere with their ability to think about a decision critically and rationally.

There are three conditions that may lead to “groupthink:”

#1) - is the overestimation of the group’s ability and power, whereby members tend to ignore specific “warning signals.” This may cause a feeling of complacency which could result from an overreaction to low self-esteem, resulting from recent failures or having been faced with a difficult task.

#2) - is the “we vs. they” attitude, which leads to stereotyping of outsiders and encourages rationalization of decisions.

#3) - is the pressure toward conformity, which results from direct pressure being applied by the group to various members who try to disagree, thus resulting in members censoring themselves in order to maintain their membership in the group. All of this can be detrimental to an organization…that is unless you’re aware of it, identify it and work together instead of in a “groupthink” mindset.

However you choose to ride, dress or act while you ride is up to you as an individual. With all due respect, I also must caution each of you to be aware of the pitfalls out there…they can turn out to be an abyss you don’t want to fall into. If the choices you make are based on conformity, and following along rather than leading the way, then I suggest you please reconsider the risks you are taking, know the consequences, and be willing to deal with them.

Try not to allow yourselves to fall into a “groupthink” mentality. As individuals, let’s be aware that peer pressures exist and recognize how powerful and dangerous it can be. Let’s also make sure we do not allow it to control us as individuals, especially if that control places us in an unsafe environment or puts us in a situation whereby the risks associated with it are more than we are willing to accept.

I sincerely believe that if we all work together on making choices we can live with, and leading by example, then we’ll assure ourselves of the best chance possible to enjoy riding and each other’s company for years to come – and being in step and hand to hand with having fun is safety…and that should be every rider’s #1 priority!

Ride as if your life depends on it – because it does.

Gary

Rain & Riding Safely

Given this time of year, it brings to mind an old saying among some police motorcycle instructors I know; “If it ain’t raining, it ain’t training!” Ever hear that one? It’s a very profound statement, and it is NOT a wish for the students to be uncomfortable, it can be treated more like a blessing in disguise. “A blessing?!!?” you ask? Think about it – what are the worst conditions a motorcycle rider can encounter? I’ll give ya 10 to 1 its rain…cold & darkness come in a strong second, and we won’t get into snow & ice right now.

If you ride a motorcycle, sooner or later you are going to get caught out somewhere and it’s going to start raining. Here in Michigan that is almost a foregone conclusion. So to take a training class and have that class take place in the rain…is that a bad thing? No not really. Think about it…what better time to learn and hone you’re riding skills than in an organized class, in a safe environment where weather (rain) causes even more emphasis on how to handle a motorcycle safely in even the most extreme conditions? To me, that is almost like a dream come true.

Now before you stop reading this because you think I’ve gone completely nuts or have just proven myself to be sadist, hold on a minute – there is some reasoning behind this which is very simply. Is it more comfortable to ride when it’s 72 degrees and sunny with a very mild breeze? Sure it is, and we all can agree to that one! But given the fact that here in Michigan where you can almost count the days we have like that (72 & sunny) on the fingers of one hand, if you can learn and train in the worst weather conditions, just think about how much better you’ll be when the conditions are more pleasant (dry).

Okay – so what do we do to make the best out of this rain business? First of all, you’ll need rain gear, and if you plan to ride for any distance or length of time, my advice is to invest in something good. Don’t just go out and buy the least expensive gear and tuck it away in your saddle bag, “just in case.” If you do that, you will be sorry…trust me!

Here are a couple pointers and thoughts for choosing and using the right gear for you:

1. Make a personal decision on whether or not you want a one piece (jump suite style) or a two-piece (top & bottoms).

2. Identify a price range you can afford, but remember that your comfort and protection is extremely valuable, and like a helmet, if you value what goes in one, were a good one – same goes for rain gear.

3. Consider the various climates you’ll be riding in, and remember that if you buy a cheap rain suit that does not “breath,” or is not ventilated, and it gets hot and muggy out, you’ll will get just as wet from sweating while wrapped in this “zip-lock bag” than you would if you have nothing at all…and rider comfort is one of the many things we need to focus on that leads to rider safety.

4. Once your selection is made, make sure you try on the rain gear with ALL your riding gear on…leathers, chaps, jacket, Chapter vest, ect., because on days when that rain causes it to also get colder, you’ll want to wear your rain gear over the top of everything.

5. After you purchase your rain gear and get it home, open it up and inspect it thoroughly. Make sure it has all the various snaps, zippers and Velcro and that all are in good working order. Make sure there are no unforeseen holes of damage while you still have time to return it.

6. Now do a “practice run.” By this I mean to put on all your riding gear and then practice getting into and out of your rain gear while you are home and the conditions allow you to get your own “system” down. Make sure that you also understand that any regular material that is sticking out of your rain gear will cause the moisture to “wick” to the inside and that sucks. So you need to take precautions to assure everything is tucked in as well as you can get it.

So why do I suggest doing this? Consider this - when the time comes to stop & pull on that rain gear, more often than not it will be in a situation where you have to get it on quickly while stopped on the side of the road or pulled off somewhere. And I DO NOT recommend pulling off under an expressway overpass, but more on that later.

7. Lastly, when you eventually arrive at your destination, whether that is home, a friend’s house or a hotel room, make sure you hang up your rain gear and let it dry out and air out. Even if you have taken it off because the rain stopped and tucked it back away. There are few things funkier than having to put on old wet, stinking moldy rain gear next time you need it…so if you treat it right, it will treat you right.

Now let’s get back to that spot to pull over and suit up…if you’re on an expressway, one of the most dangerous places you can stop in under an overpass, especially if it is raining. That is no joke…it can be a disaster waiting to happen because in a rain storm there can be significant blind spots caused by various shadows and visibility changes around and under overpasses. The wind changes can also affect the stability of the cars and trucks passing under it, and let’s not forget the wet to dry road conditions which is another factor to be concerned with. Try not to get caught up in that mess - look for the next off ramp or rest area if it looks like rain is threatening, and try to gear up BEFORE the rain starts! Don’t wait thinking it may NOT rain…because as soon as you do, you will find yourself soaked and that rain gear you spent all that cash on will not do anything for you.

Motorcycle riding is all about anticipation and thinking “what if?” And this is a perfect time to anticipate the bad weather and ask yourself “what if it rains?” Rain gear is better to have it on and not need it then to get caught and quickly soaked while you search for a place to safely stop and gear up. Trust me – I speak from experience, and I know firsthand what making the wrong choice feels like – so now I always anticipate…and you should too.

The last thing about riding in the rain is the water on the road surface…is it dangerous? Sure it is…especially when the rain starts. Most seasoned riders know that when a rain starts, the oil on the road surface mix with the water and they don’t play nice together. But it’s not only oil on the road that makes for a slippery combination that can be risky, it’s all the other crap and debris that can end up on the roadways like food, soda pop, cigarette butts, antifreeze, paper, road kills, ect., that all degrades into the roadway and is loosened and brought up by rain and water adding to that dangerous slippery condition.

However, even in the rain all is not lost – once the rain has a chance to give the roadways a good washing (usually within the first hour of a hard rain), then what you’re left to deal with is wet concrete. Fortunately, technological advancements in engineering and rubber compositions have given us tires that are made for riding in wet conditions. In fact, in most circumstances, a motorcycle’s traction with good tires and a washed but wet surface will be about 75% to 80% of what is normal under dry conditions…so can you still apply the riding skills and techniques learned in class? Sure. Can you still maneuver in limited areas at low speeds? Absolutely! Can you still lean the motorcycle into a curve or stop quickly in a straight line? Yes – but you MUST take into consideration that wet surface condition and SLOW DOWN! Give yourself an even greater safety margin and be even smoother in your operation of the controls…especially while braking.

Remember this formula: “TECHNIQUE + SMOOTHNESS = CONTROL”

Now you can plan for that ride, be ready for the elements, enjoy and have fun because that’s what motorcycle riding is all about!! The enjoyment of THE RIDE is what it is all about…and even wet rides can be enjoyed and done safely – if YOU choose to do so.

Gary

The "F.U.D." Factor - Back To Basics

I received an e-mail from a fellow rider from a local HOG Chapter who had an interesting question that I wanted to share with you, and along with “John’s” question, my response. The reason I chose to share this with you is because I believe his question is a very good one and holds some basic truths. It just may hit home for some of you, but only you’ll know if it does. I also chose to share my response to Johns’ question with you because this is something I have spoken to many of you about in the past, and I wanted to put it in writing. Besides, I can’t think of a better way than to use it as a basis for this month’s article.

The Question:

Gary,

I hope you don't mind if I impose upon you with a question and some advice. When we met last time, John Smith (not his real name) and you talked about the new touring frames and the ETC (electronic throttle control). I listened with interest, not thinking that I would someday become the proud owner of a new 2010 Ultra Limited…but I got one a week ago Tuesday. I rode a 2003 Heritage until then. I am having a helluva time with slow riding drills that used to be second nature, especially with the friction zone. It’s a whole new ballgame. Any tips you can give me?

John

My response:

Hi John,

No imposition whatsoever – glad to help (or try too)…it’s one of my passions!

First of all, congrats on getting a new Ultra Limited – that has just about everything on it, and she must be a great looking machine!! Now on to your question…

I think what you may be experiencing is a phenomenon I like to call the “F.U.D. factor.” It stands for “Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt.” But I have plagiarized it a bit so that it applies to motorcycle riders.

Let’s try to break it down…

Fear:

You just spent a lot of hard earned cash on a brand new bike, and a nice one…so you are either consciously or subconsciously fearful of dropping it and damaging it, which is perfectly normal. I’m that way with each new bike I get, but that is only until I drop it the first time…then I know it just became a “real motorcycle” and that “fear” quickly dissipates. J

Seriously, fear is one of the #1 mental roadblocks most all riders experience when they get a brand new motorcycle or one with some “experience,” yet still new to them. You’re going to have to take your own sweet time and do what is personally comfortable for you.

Uncertainty:

Being unfamiliar with a new machine, one tends to question each and every control and “if” that control works exactly the same way as the machine they are (were) use to. I can assure of 2 things…#1) Almost every motorcycle operates the same, and #2) NO motorcycle ever “feels” the same. Even identical models parked right next to each other will feel different. These subtle differences or “feels” need to be overcome, and to most that soon will happen just by virtue of riding it. Hence the “uncertainty” factor plays into the equation.

Doubt:

During the time where you are breaking it in and learning about the [new] machine, you are uncertain about its feel, weight, turning radius, suspension and just about everything else…most of that is brought on by that “fear” of dropping the motorcycle, and then being overly cautious…and when you add uncertainty to fear you get doubt.

You start saying things to yourself like; “Humm…I just don’t think I can ride this motorcycle the way I rode my 2003 Heritage…” and then you get it in your mind or start doubting this machine will operate the same way. That is often followed by your questioning the techniques (or you doubt them), and more importantly – you start doubting yourself.

It is said that one can overcome the “F.U.D. factor” by applying logic & practice…well, there is one more very important addition to that formula when applied to motorcycle riding, and that is by “applying proper technique.”

It is difficult to put a finger on the exact problem you’re having John, so let’s just try to wipe the slate clean and go back to the (3) basics techniques, which are “Friction Zone, Head & Eyes and Rear Brake.

Friction Zone:

As a refresher, remember that the friction zone is the area on the clutch where when eased out, the power from the engine starts to be generated to the rear wheel. Hence, the motorcycle starts moving. Clutch adjustment is critical in being able to effectively apply this technique.

The “factory” setting will allow the rider to start feeling the machine move when the clutch lever is at approximately the 3 ½ to 4 position (“0 position” is all the way squeezed in, “5 position” is all the way out). They all differ, so don’t take that as “gospel,” but I believe the factory adjusts to this setting so that the average rider will only have to move the clutch lever slightly to disengage the clutch when shifting up and down in gears. I still believe that they don’t really consider any slow riding maneuvers – but they should.

Your clutch should be adjusted to a point where the friction zone starts to come in at about the 2 – 2 ½ position (you can personally tune it more if you like). You may also experience the clutch lever being “loose” when all the way extended (in the 5 spot) but that’s okay – and normal. Just be careful adjusting it this way because you’ll have to make a conscience effort to pull the clutch all the way in when shifting so that you don’t grind the gears. Also, make sure to give yourself a little “room” to ease it out and compensate for the engine heat and cold (remembering that the friction zone will fluctuate a little).

The #1 most important control in riding a motorcycle in what you call “slow riding drills” is proper use of the friction zone. Translation = you MUST stay in the friction zone 100% of the time with power going to the rear wheel 100% of the time. You cannot pull it all the way in and then let it all the way out – that is NOT how this works. You’re engine RPM needs to be just slightly above idle, and you have to try your best to maintain steady power to the rear wheel – that is gonna take practice to master, but with the new motorcycles HD is coming out with, (your Ultra included) the clutch is even easier to operate than ever before. But if you pull the clutch in all the way when doing slow maneuvers, it is like pulling the power plug on an air inflatable balloon, and she’ll just drop the same way and so will you!

Head & Eyes:

What more can be said about turning your head and eyes and looking in the direction you want to go? To master this is to master and control your human instincts to look down or to look directly in front of you. You MUST work to overcome this and train yourself to look in the direction you want to go.

One key point I will also add; try to keep your head and eyes level with the horizon at all times – this will help you better balance yourself. And while we’re on the subject of balance, keep your knees on the tank, you’re not a trapeze artist, and your knees are not a balance pole – keep them in, and stay in your seat!!

Rear Brake:

When operating the motorcycle at low speeds and making slow tight turns, proper use of the rear brake is fundamental in helping you control the motorcycle. DON’T think of the rear brake as a mechanism that only stops the motorcycle (it’s just worth about 10-15% of your overall stopping power anyway). When doing slow maneuvers, consider the rear brake to be a mechanism that allows you to CONTROL the motorcycle instead of just stopping it.

You want to just use the ball of your foot, and do what we call “feather it,” or just put a slight drag on it at all times. Doing this will stabilize the suspension and confuse the machine into thinking it’s going a lot faster, and it will act that way…but please also remember to never touch your front brake when doing this with your handlebars turned or it will suck you to the ground like a magnet!

This control technique, like the “friction zone” is one that takes practice to get it right, and when all (3) techniques are applied correctly, the motorcycle will respond in ways you never thought possible!!

Remember too that you must turn the handlebars and you have to allow the motorcycle to LEAN – this is how they turn sharply…the more you can turn the handlebars and lean it while applying these simple techniques, the tighter circles you will be able to make and the better overall control you will have. This is one of the most difficult things to accomplish – achieving the lean angle at low speeds. Just remember that proper use of the friction zone, head & eyes and rear brake all work in unison to each other…and this applies to ALL motorcycles, regardless of their manufacturer, size or style (custom choppers excepted).

Last key point I must make…”Technique + Smoothness = Control.”

I say that because one of the most recognizable skills the top riders see in other riders is how smooth they operate. It’s like a dance of man/woman and machine, becoming one, and done to the music of a symphony. Being a smooth operator is cool…and it will show.

When we drive our cars or trucks, we are riding in them, when we ride a motorcycle, we become the machine…and that John is how the pros do it, and that is what separates the posers from the ones who can walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

I hope that wasn’t too “winded,” and I hope that you can reevaluate what you have or have not been doing and get back on track.

Ride safe – as if your life depends on it!

Gary

A Motorcycle Saves a Life?

I have an interesting and TRUE story I want to share with everyone, and it is the basis on which I came up with the title for this article.

On Sunday morning, September 6^th, 2009, I was working a Sheriff’s detail at the Romeo Airport. It was basically a “PR” thing and nothing strenuous or even remotely dangerous. That is unless you consider small aircraft buzzing around or a swarm of wide-eyed kids and hungry grandparents dangerous (yeah, I know – they can be).

At noon the event was ending, so I attempted to clean off as much of the kid’s handprints, footprints, candy residue and snot off the motorcycle as I could, then I headed out. I traveled east on 32 Mile Road, and then headed south on North Avenue. If you know the road (North between 28 & 29 Mile) you’ll know the curve I’m referring too – it is the first left handed curve you encounter when riding south bound from 29 Mile Road.

It was there that I experienced one of those “defining moments,” where an immediate maneuver is required to keep from getting schmucked. This was [again] one of those moments I had trained & practiced for, and I honestly believe that had it not been for the training, you may have been reading about me in a different article.

As I entered into the sweeping turn, so was a car coming in the opposite direction. The problem was, I followed the curve, *she* was doing everything BUT! I say “she” because I looked right at her when she passed me. As she drifted across the double-yellow lines and into my path of travel I held the fog line watching her every move. It took 100% concentration and application of the skills I learned in training to avoid an impact with this person, or at minimum, avoid running off the roadway and crashing. I know she never even saw me till after I passed her (if even then), and remember…I was in uniform on a police motorcycle.

I survived it (obviously) and about a half mile down the road, I pulled over and stopped. As my heart raced and my legs shook I closed my eyes and said a little silent prayer and thanked God that I had learned and practiced these motorcycle skills. I knew for sure that if I hadn’t, I could have been killed. About that time I also realized that I needed to change my shorts…and soon!

But as in all stories, there is a lesson to be learned for the wise among us. Let’s think for a moment about the driver of that opposing vehicle. Think about what may have happened *IF* I would have impacted her vehicle head on at that speed. Judging by how far she came over the line, and *IF* I had stayed in my lane position and not moved, I would have caught her vehicle dead (no pun) center, or perhaps a bit towards the driver’s side. An 800 pound motorcycle with a 200 pound rider traveling at 45-50mph impacting a car heading in the opposite direction would have not only caused her (at minimum), serious injury, but it may have killed her (not to mention me). Had I been a car or a semi-truck, this lady may have lost her life as a result of her lack of attention to driving. The scary part is that she isn’t the only person out there driving a “cage” that is pre-occupied…so be warned.

The woman didn’t die that afternoon, not in that curve anyway. That’s because a trained rider on a mechanically sound motorcycle, concentrating on what he was doing, avoided a crash and perhaps this woman’s life was spared. You may call it crazy, but I honestly believe because it was me on my motorcycle, being where I was in that particular moment in time is what saved HER life. And my guess is that she doesn’t even realize it…not even now. But a driver of a car that was following me did (he was back some distance and witnessed everything). When I was stopped at 28 Mile Road, he pulled up and told me that was a “great piece of defensive riding,” and that she was an “idiot!” He asked if I was okay, and that helped a bit, but I still needed to go change my shorts. I just smiled and thanked him.

The “message” in this story that I want to pass on to you is simple…

PLEASE take motorcycle riding seriously, and PLEASE make the effort to get whatever training is available to you…and LISTEN to the instructors. Take seriously the lessons taught, and remember to practice-practice-practice.

Why? Because you just never know what is coming around that next curve. One sunny Sunday afternoon when the warmth of the sun is on your face, you and your motorcycle are running perfectly together, you are in your element and life is good…you just may be tested. And failure to pass this test could cost you your life, or at the very least leave a nasty mark.

In closing, I would like to offer you one simple word…a word that I would like everyone to try to etch into your minds (tattoo it on your brain) and that word is: “CONCENTRATE!” Then practice doing exactly that…from the time you swing a leg over a motorcycle, till the time you dismount… “CONCENTRATE!” and do it100% of the time. No exceptions – period.

Remember, when you ride a motorcycle, it is always your fault – no matter what happens. So ride as if your life depends on it – because it does.

Gary

Ridin' with the Cops

This past May, I was in our Nation’s Capitol as part of a contingency representing the Macomb County Sheriff’s Motor Division attending the Police Week ceremonies. This was not my first time in “DC,” but it was the first time I had the opportunity to attend what is known as “National Police Week.”

I was honored to be part of a police motorcycle escort team, consisting of trained motor officers from all over the United States, working directly with the Washington DC "Capitol" Police Motor Division. Our job was to escort the busses carrying the survivors of fallen law enforcement officers from Reagan International Airport to their various hotels throughout the city. This was a lot of work and some very long hours…but it was “game on” riding, and also in a word – inspiring.

So what (you may ask) does that have to do with me, I’m not a police motor officer? Well, nothing to be honest…but that’s not the point, this is…

While I was riding with these fellow motor officers from different states, I was impressed at how well everyone rode together as a group. It didn’t matter who you were next to or where they were from because each rider / officer knew and trusted the other. Why? Because of a pride, understanding and respect each had for the other. We all knew that the other guy had been trained and could ride well, with confidence, and was safety oriented. We also knew that we all had 2 objectives in mind…to complete the detail and to see that everyone made it home safe…period.

The manner in which they all rode, the image they presented and the mutual respect for each other was something you had to experience or at the very least, see for yourself…and that brings us to the connection I want to make with you – the individual, and you the motorcycle rider.

It is the training that allowed these motor officers from all over the country to pull off some of the details they did, and it is training and practice, practice and more practice that allowed them to reduce the risk factors making it a safe event for everyone. Every ride escort had a mix of different riders, each formally trained, and they all had a great time, looked sharp, did the job proud and more than anything, they all went home at night – safe…myself included.

After experiencing working and riding with these officers, I came to the conclusion that there is not one single reason why ALL riders cannot or should not adapt these riding strategies from the police…because they prove time and again the benefits that can be realized from getting proper training, practicing and just doing it the right way.

Most Road Crews of various riding organizations do a fantastic job making sure that their respective rides, and more importantly, YOU are safe. They work hard (or should be) to set an example for everyone by leading by example, proving that proper training, working to improve your riding skills and not compromising safety for image is the right way to ride. Like the cops in DC and elsewhere throughout our country – each detail (ride) has (2) main objectives…#1) to complete the detail (or simply your group ride), and #2) to see that everyone goes home safe when it’s over…it’s that simple.

Each rider is responsible for their own ride, just as each rider is responsible for just how much they want to improve themselves. You can choose to be either a sterling example of what riding right & riding safe is all about…or you can choose be a sterling example of someone who is most likely to get schmucked next. These folks (the latter) seem to forget that stupid hurts, crashin’ sucks and dead is dead until it reaches up and bites them in the ass, but by then it’s too late.

So it’s up to YOU to decide which example YOU want to be...and along with me, your friends and your family, we all hope you make the right choice, and you know deep down what that is.

Parting shot – riding a motorcycle doesn’t require your attention, it demands it...so never compromise safety for image, and remember to ride every ride as if your ass, and your life depends on it – because it does!

Gary

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