Back In the Saddle Again...

What a year it's been. Started the year with high hopes of accomplishing a list of things, some motorcycle related and some not - being more dedicated to posting here; getting more involved in promoting motorcycling; vlogging; writing (outside of this blog); reading the whole bible; learning some new skills; etc.

In February, the day after my birthday, my world was turned upside down. Out of the blue, everything changed. What used to be important wasn't any more. And things that didn't seem important came to the front. After coming to grips with the situation and regrouping, it was time figure which way was up again.

I will admit my situation was no where near as bad or tragic as it could have been. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for that.

It took me a few months to get things back on track. I finally feel like things are settling in to place. Slowly I've been  putting my goals into action. I doubt I'll get them all in place before the end of the year. And that's okay.

So here it is, time to get back into the saddle, both more on the motorcycle and on the blog.

A few weekends ago, I got to take a ride with my wife - which was awesome for several reasons. We'll talk more about that in the next post. In the meantime, a couple pictures to enjoy...

Smart Turn System

A thread through the motorcycle class I teach is risk awareness, risk taking and risk mitigation. We're often talking about making making yourself visible and always communicating your intentions. At some point, the topic of turn signals comes up. I talk about using the signals to let others know what you're doing. And, possibly more importantly, canceling the signal when you're done.

How many times have you been driving down the road and see someone who's left their signal on? When you first see them, you're waiting for them to make their move. Eventually you realize they're not going to do anything, not even cancel their signal. At some point, you probably even start ignoring them.

As motorcyclists, we don't ever want other roadway users to start ignoring us. I believe leaving your signal on is a good way to have this happen. So, in class, I try to emphasize using the turn signals when you're going to make a turn or lane change and to cancel them when you're done with your maneuver.

In my never ending quest for motorcycle technology that help make us safer, I came across Smart Turn System (STS).

The device monitors several inputs, including speed and lean angle, determines when you've completed your "turn" and will cancel the signal.

My Road King will cancel the signal after making a turn using lean angle sensors. For lane change maneuvers, or even straight-line riding, it will use a distance measurement to cancel the signal.

Ultimately, my bike will already cancel the signal after a turn or a lane change, much like the STS will cancel the signal as well. The big difference is the STS is smarter in that it "senses" when the turn or lane change has been completed and will cancel the signal based on that.

STS has a beta program and, of course, I've already signed up. Although I never got a response email, so I am a little concerned. The beta program is supposed to kick off in March 2016. So if you're interested, head over to their site and sign up.

Obviously if I get in the beta program, I'll share my impressions with you, in accordance with the beta program guidelines. If you get in, let me know...

Heads Up Display Contest

Being an avid motorcyclist and instructor, I've always been interested in technology that can help keep us safer on the roads. Of particular interest has been the recent boom in helmet technology. I've heard people already saying that adding this technology will be more distracting to the rider. But, like anything, if it's used properly, it will actually make the rider safer.

Skully first caught my attention with their helmet. There's probably some debate on whether they were the first "smart" helmet or not. They've probably been the most vocal and most successful in getting their helmet recognized and to market. They've combined some neat technology, like 180° rear view, navigation and voice commands.

Next on my radar was Fusar. I was pretty excited about their technology and actually got close to being a beta tester with them. Follow up discussions said they had issues with the company they hired to assist with their beta program and it didn't go as they expected. In the end, they approached the "smart" helmet a little differently. They're giving you an action camera with some additional, cool features; like navigation, communications and an emergency response system. I really like the idea of the emergency response system because, when it detects a crash, will alert emergency responders as well as your loved ones.

Others that have gotten a little attention from me include NUVIZ, BikeHUD and LiveMap. All add their own twist on helmet technology and attempts to make the rider safer.

The latest to throw their hat into the ring, and probably most exciting is BMW. Most exciting because a big name, with money and staying power, is making its way into the "smart" helmet market. To me, this means others will follow.

BWM is working with DigiLens to make the heads up display. DigiLens has an extensive background in optical displays, which lends itself well to BWM's application in a HUD helmet. Better yet, instead of either or both companies going off on their own and developing what they think will be the best HUD for a motorcyclist, they're opening up a design contest for anyone to submit their ideas. It's not to say they couldn't or wouldn't be able to design an awesome system; it's that they're open to soliciting ideas from the ends users.

So, here's your chance to tell them what you think. Head over to the DigiLens contest site and design your own HUD. They give you three scenarios and many options to add to the display.

What can you come up with? Here are my designs.

Ray Price Racing Team Announces Retirement

I read yesterday I read that the Ray Price Racing team is retiring... I was sad but not surprised. Immediately I thought back to the times I got to see Ray Price, his bike and the racing team.

I got in to motorcycling too late to actually see Ray at the throttle. But where the race or the bike, you could be sure to see Ray there, actively involved in all aspects of the race.

The first time was in 2005 at the AHDRA (now defunct) in Rockingham. I rode with the Raleigh HOG club and the race was quite an experience. I remember sitting on the concrete seats, listening to the deafening noise as the bikes took off and the stands shook. I never realized those bikes could produce so much noise and power. Amazing.

During events at the Capital City Bikefest, Ray and his crew would fire up the nitro bike. In downtown Raleigh you could feel the building shake for blocks around. Before firing up the bike, the crew would carefully inspect and prepare the bike. Ray was very focused on making sure everything was in place before having the bike fired up.

But when he wasn't occupied the the bike or racing, Ray would take the time to talk to you about anything you wanted. The race team, the bike, motorcycles, anything under the sun. He was never too busy to say hi. And he always had a smile.

Not sure if I'll go to another drag race, Ray Price was my big reason to go. If I do, I know it will be impossible to watch without thinking of Ray and his team...

Riding in the Mountains

It's been a long,long time since I've posted. Here's a little of what's been taking my time...

Riding in the Rain

Been doing lots of riding, just not much posting. Let's see if I can get back into the hang of things again. Maybe even catch up on some previous rides...

Yesterday I head out in the morning to do a QA at one of the colleges. It was sunny, clear and not too hot (for July). The weather forecast for rain was low. But around here, around this time of year, that doesn't mean much. And who really knows what those weather forecasters mean when they say something like 20% chance of rain?

What I do know is that the rain can come in quickly and leave just as quickly. Twenty minutes later and you'd never know it rained. And just because it's raining here doesn't mean it's raining over there.

Last summer I was teaching class. It was one of those days where it'd rain for a few minutes then stop. Then rain. Then stop. I tell the class that I generally don't stop an exercise for rain - unless, of course, it becomes a safety issue. I saw this to encourage them to put on whatever rain gear they have before the exercise begins and they start riding. I've also been teaching long enough that I don't try to guess the weather, I just put my rain suit on anyway.

This particular exercise, the riders are across the range and I call them one at a time. I call the first rider. The do what they're supposed to do and they stop next to me. As I'm giving them some coaching, I notice they're wet. I think to myself that it's been a while since it rained, they should be dry. I call the next rider. They stop next to me, wet as well. I call the third rider. Same thing. They're wet. I'm dry. I look at the opposite end of the range and notice it's raining down there. But my end is dry. And it's not like they're that far away - less than 300 feet.

That's how the weather goes around here.

As I leave my QA and head to the Harley dealer to get my bike inspected, the skies are getting darker and darker. Quickly. I make it to the dealership and get the bike in for inspection before the rain. As I'm doing some shopping, I look out the window and it's pouring. One of those nice North Carolina thunderstorms where we get tons of water dropped in a short amount of time.

The beauty is they pass quickly. My shopping is done, bike inspected and it's time to head home. The rain has pretty much stopped and I decide not to put on the rain suit for the ride home. Heck, the rain has already passed. And even if I did get rained on, I'd be at home when I finished riding, so no harm.

Well, it did rain. Not hard. And not enough to get me totally wet. In fact, I got wetter from the spray other vehicles were throwing up from the road. But as I was riding in the rain, I was reminded of how much I enjoy it.

There's something about the rain hitting your helmet, hitting your windshield, soaking into your boots - the rhythm of the road. I go into my own little world. There's me and there's everyone else. I'm acutely aware of them - seems a lot of people lose their heads when driving in the rain. So I'm extra cautious. The increased time and space, the water all around, the sounds of the rain combine to put me into this moment, A moment I think to myself, you know, I really, really enjoy riding in the rain.

2015 Rides

High Tech Helmet

Wearable technology is synonymous with smart watches, fitness trackers and even jewelry. But there's a more exciting market emerging, especially for us motorcyclists - smart helmets!

FUSAR Technologies is developing the Guardian GA-1 helmet featuring their patent-pending STAR System™. It features a heads-up display (HUD), voice commands, video recording and more.

The HUD gives the rider situational awareness in all directions, allowing the rider to make quick decisions based not only what's in front but what may be behind as well. The helmet also includes video recording. In the event of a crash, the video is stored in memory which can be reviewed later. The voice commands make it effortless to interact with the system and allows the rider to keep their hands on the bars.

I'm pretty excited about the Guardian GA-1 and look forward to learning more about it... Check out the video below.

Welcome to the smart helmet revolution. from FUSAR Technologies on Vimeo.

60k

Took a ride for lunch last week and passed the 60k on the odometer on the way home. I've been watching the odometer, waiting to hit 60k. Not really sure why, another milestone I guess.

All the anticipation was anti-climatic. Just another ride, along a very familiar route - nothing special, nothing spectacular. Other than reaching 60k.

Guess this means it's time to change the fluids and check the bike over in a little more detail than normal.

Next mark 70k or 75k? We'll see how it goes as I get closer...

The Simplest Solutions...

I've always felt there's beauty in simplicity. I don't know how many times in the past I've been trying to solve a difficult problem, working maybe for days on a solution, trying every imaginable path to the best answer. What I've found is that the most satisfying, and usually the best, solution, turns out to be the simplest.

Those answers are usually found when you pick your head up out of the details, ask yourself again what you're trying to solve, and then asking what's the simplest thing I can do.

Well, what follows is, to me, another example...

I know the the Department of Transportation has been working on a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system to make our highways safer. There are a lot of people out there that are concerned with the privacy issues around the sharing of information. However, I believe that certain measures that we can take to make our roadways safer, especially for motorcyclists, is worth it.

I haven't paid too much attention to V2V because, let's face it,, it's being developed by the DOT. My feeling there is they'll spend a lot of time engineering and over-engineering the project. I think part of it are starting to appear in the market place, but it'll take a while longer before we see it in the wild in any meaningful way.

The other day I stumbled on an app that I think gets to the heart of V2V. Not only that, it seems so simple and utilizes something we all pretty much already have - our smartphones!!

I'm talking about the Bike Shield App. It has the potential to make our roadways safer right now. And it's as simple as firing up the app anytime you're getting ready to drive or ride. From their website:

Simple and revolutionary, TheBikeShieldApp is a First Layer Crash Avoidance Technology mobile app which establishes communication between cars, motorcycles and bicycles that are sharing the road. When using this app, car drivers get an acoustic signal that warns them about approaching motorcycles and bicycles. These signals raise drivers’ awareness and reduce distracted maneuvers that may result in a fatal crash with motorcycles and bicycles.

I think the biggest hurdle is going to get people aware of the app and to start using the app. The app comes out in a couple days. In the meantime, I suggest you head over to their site and learn more about it. And when the app comes out, install it and start using it.

AMA Petitions for the Return of the Lane Splitting Guidelines

Following up on my previous post about the removal the the lane splitting guidelines, the American Motorcyclist Association has started a petition to have the guidelines returned to the California government websites.

If you haven't already, head over to the petition and sign it!!

Lane Splitting Guidelines

I got an email from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) about how one man was able to have lane splitting guidelines removed from the California Highway Patrol website. It kind of makes me mad. The purpose of the guidelines is to give both motorcyclists and motorists common sense safety tips when it comes to lane splitting or lane filtering. I won't go into to detail because you can read more about it at the AMA website.

One solution I thought of is for everyone to just post the guidelines on their motorcycle-related websites. Then it becomes easily available to everyone simply by searching. With that in mind, I've posted the text of the guidelines below. You can also download a copy here. Also, to the best of my knowledge, lane splitting is only not illegal in California.

To be perfectly clear, this is not my work. Nor do I intent to pass it off as my work. To the best of my knowledge the guidelines were developed by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. If there is an issue posting the guidelines here, please contact me and I'll remove them.

Below are the guidelines...

Lane Splitting General Guidelines 

Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in the state of California. 

The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light. 

Motorcyclists who are competent enough riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane split: 

1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.- A speed differential of 10 miles per hour or less allows an alert, competent rider enough time to identify and react to most dangerous situations that can occur.
- The greater the speed differential, the less time a rider has to identify and react to a hazard. 

2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster --- danger increases as overall speed increases.- At just 20 mph, in the 1 or 2 seconds it takes a rider to identify a hazard, that rider will travel approximately 30 to 60 feet before even starting to take evasive action. Actual reaction (braking or swerving) will take additional time and distance.
- Braking and stopping distance varies greatly based on a multitude of factors(rider, machine and environment).
- As speed increases, crash severity increases. 

3) Typically, it is safer to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.- Other road users are more accustomed to motorcycles splitting between the #1 and #2(furthest left) lanes.
- Avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps and exits.
- Avoid splitting lanes when another motorcycle rider is splitting between other nearby lanes as cars may make additional room for one rider and accidentally reduce space for another. 

4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.- Some lanes are narrower than others, leaving little room to pass safely. If you can't fit, don't split.
- Some vehicles are wider than others -- it is not advisable to split near wide trucks. If you can't fit, don't split.
- Know the limitations of your motorcycle --- wide bars, fairing and bags require more space between vehicles. If you can't fit, don't split.
- Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads to avoid surprises such as poor road surfaces.
- Seams in the pavement or concrete between lanes can be hazardous if they are wide or uneven.
- Poor visibility, due to darkness or weather conditions, makes it difficult for riders to see road hazards and makes it more difficult for drivers to see you.
- Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored protective gear and using high beams during daylight. 

5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.- Be very aware of what the cars around you are doing. If a space, or gap, opens up next to your lane, be prepared react accordingly.
- Always be prepared to take evasive action if a vehicle changes lanes.
- Account for inattentive or distracted drivers.
- Riders should not weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of the line.
- Riders should avoid lingering in blind spots.
- Never ride while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.
- Constantly scan for changing conditions. 

The Four R's or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane Splitting:Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.
- Reasonable means not more than 10 MPH faster than traffic flow and not over 39 MPH.
- You are Responsible for your own safety and decisions.

• Don't put yourself in dangerous positions.

• If you can't fit, don't split.

- Be Respectful --- sharing the road goes both ways.

• Don't rely on loud pipes to keep you safe, loud pipes often startle people and poison the attitude of car drivers toward motorcyclists.

• Other vehicles are not required to make space for motorcycles to lane split.

- Roadways and traffic can be hazardous.

• uneven pavement

• wide trucks

• distracted drivers

• weather conditions

• curves

• etc.

Disclaimers:These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe. 

Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience. 

The recommendations contained here are only general guidelines and cannot cover all possible combinations of situations and variables. 

Personal Safety: Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times. California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet that complies with the DOT FMVSS 218 standard. 

Risk of getting a ticket: Motorcyclists who lane split are not relieved of the responsibility to obey all existing traffic laws. With respect to possible law enforcement action, keep in mind that it will be up to the discretion of the Law Enforcement Officer to determine if riding behavior while lane splitting is or was safe and prudent. 

When is it NOT OK to split?You should NOT lane split:
- If you can't fit.
- At a toll booth.
- If traffic is moving too fast or unpredictably.
- If dangerous road conditions exist --- examples include water or grit on the road, slippery road markings, road construction, uneven pavement, metal grates, etc.
- If you cannot clearly see a way out of the space you're going into (for example, if a van or SUV is blocking your view).
- Between trucks, buses, RVs, and other wide vehicles.
- Around or through curves.
- If you are not fully alert and aware of your surroundings.
- If you are unable to react to changing conditions instantaneously.
- If you don't feel comfortable with the situation. 

Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner.
2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.
3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).
4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).
5) Never drive while distracted.
6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by

• Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning

• Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic

• Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency

Project LiveWire!

Harley has announced their first electric motorcycle, Project LiveWire, today.

It's a pretty nice looking bike - I can't want to learn more about it and take it out for a test ride!

Rolling Thunder 2014

My son and I made our annual trip to the Washington DC area for Rolling Thunder a few weekends ago. We'd both been looking forward to the trip - our first big trip of the year. My son had been telling everyone for weeks before that we were taking a six hour motorcycle trip to Virginia, making the six hours sound so unappealing. And I'm sure for those that aren't riders, it didn't sound like fun. But we knew otherwise and we couldn't wait to take off!!

Friday, May 23

What good motorcycle trip doesn't start with a stop at Waffle House? And sharing with family before leaving makes it even better!

After getting our fill, it was time to get going. Someone was anxious to get moving...

Our first planned stop was Clarksville to stretch our legs. About ten minutes before we stopped it started to sprinkle. It was so light that as soon as the droplets hit, they dried. At Clarksville we debated putting on the rain suits. The sky was overcast and this was my son's first experience in the rain on a bike. The decision was make to put them on. Which pretty much guaranteed it would stop raining. 

Next stop, halfway point, Sheetz in Farmville. Time for gas and some grub. Or a power pill for my son.

We were having a good time and making good time. Final stop before our destination was Orange. Where we met my father-in-law and uncle for the last leg. It was nice to meet up with them, knowing we weren't far. A nice meal was waiting for us when we made our final stop.

Saturday, May 24

In the morning we head to Patriot Harley Davidson to pick up Rolling Thunder pins and check out what's going on. This year I was a bit disappointed in the number of vendors. It seems they're saving more spaces for bikes to park in the lot, which leaves less for the vendors. But I guess if the choice has to be made between bike parking and vendors, the bikes win.

While we were there, a photographer was working on a project called Why We Roll. In a nutshell, he was capturing images of people participating in Rolling Thunder and what Rolling Thunder meant to them.

Sunday, May 25 - Rolling Thunder

They day always starts with a gathering and breakfast over at Wayne and Theresa's house. It was a beautiful morning. Before the ride, a few words were said in honor of Kelley who passed away. He was a big part of the ride and it just wasn't the same without him.

Then it was time to head out. Nolan would lead the riders out. At the end of the street, he would loop around and hop onto Rick's bike for the rest of the ride into DC.

Hanging out in DC before heading down Constitution to watch the parade.

Checking out the sites at Thunder Alley.

Parade time.

Parade food.

After the parade, it's back to Wayne and Theresa's for the after-parade party.

A future rider?

Monday, May 26

Time to head home. It's been a great trip and we're having fun. But we're looking forward to getting home. So much so, that we skipped our last stop just to get home a little sooner. But not without a stop at Sheetz for some more road-food.

So, until next year...