It seems as if most people in the Pittsburgh area are up in arms about all the rain we've been having, especially the motorcycling community. I'm on board... I want to go riding just as bad as everyone else, but the weather "is what it is" (never liked that saying). It's April, and after all "April Showers Bring May Flowers" (By the way, never cared much for that saying either.) But instead of all the moaning about the rain, let's focus on what we CAN do.
We have two choices: ride in the rain or keep it parked until the May flowers start to grow. I'm thinking that the first choice may not be all that bad when you sit back and think about it. The rain that we do get isn't usually an all-day rain. It's more like an afternoon rain, which is sorta like Hawaii. Maui gets one good rain in the afternoon whether it needs it or not. That doesn't stop tourists from riding.
Given the fact that most of the rain is in the afternoon, we're not getting wet on the ride into work, but rather on the way home. Okay, I can live with that. Nobody wants to sit in wet clothes all day plus it's not like you have see anyone with the exception of maybe your spouse and kids and chances are they've seen you in things less flattering than wet clothing.
You can, however avoid the wet clothing by investing in a good set of rain gear from Hot Metal. The reason I say to get it from the dealership and not a hunting/fishing store is that the pants in the rain suit are made for riding. This means they are less likely to melt to the exhaust or engine and get ruined. I've also noticed that the Harley-Davidson riding gear keeps you dry around the neck if it is zippered and closed properly.
You can also do a full-face helmet. This too will help around the neck line and it will help keep the rain pellets bouncing off your face at 55mph. Trust me, it's a much better ride with a full-faced helmet in the rain. You can also use the helmet in the cooler months.
I've written numerous articles about riding in the rain before and they mostly concentrated on safety. Things you have to watch out for are debris on the road, potholes, steel (manhole covers, bridge joints, railroad tracks, etc.), and painted surfaces near stop signs and traffic lights. If you look back into the archives, you can get the specifics on how to tackle each one of those obstacles.
My advice: Let's suck it up and ride! (Now there is a slogan I like--I'm getting the derby covers made up as we speak!)
This is Rocky's Blog! It's amazing what crosses his mind. Welcome...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Back to Square One...
Last week I was really excited to see all of the rain in the forecast. More rain = cleaner streets. When I woke up Sunday, I wasn't exactly a happy camper seeing snow all over the sidewalks and streets.
We really had the perfect storm to cleanse the asphalt so we could get out and ride and that was ruined by one cold snowy morning.
There is rain in the forecast for later this week. Hopefully that will take care of Sunday's salt and gravel. I cannot wait to get out and ride. My heated gear is staged in our mud room and ready to go.
If you do decide to head out before the rain, be careful going in and out of parking lots. There is shell everywhere. Even in on-street parking spaces, as most street sweepers haven't been out yet.
The other thing to watch out for are Pittsburgh's notorious potholes. They seem to be everywhere. I know we were taught not to ride in the middle of a lane because of all the oil and grease from vehicles, but their tire tracks aren't much better given our climate and state of our aging roads.
That being said, if you do decide to jump on your bike and get a head start on the season, please take it slow, remember the 12 second rule of active scanning, and watch out for cars and trucks... they aren't used to seeing us.
Be safe!
We really had the perfect storm to cleanse the asphalt so we could get out and ride and that was ruined by one cold snowy morning.
There is rain in the forecast for later this week. Hopefully that will take care of Sunday's salt and gravel. I cannot wait to get out and ride. My heated gear is staged in our mud room and ready to go.
If you do decide to head out before the rain, be careful going in and out of parking lots. There is shell everywhere. Even in on-street parking spaces, as most street sweepers haven't been out yet.
The other thing to watch out for are Pittsburgh's notorious potholes. They seem to be everywhere. I know we were taught not to ride in the middle of a lane because of all the oil and grease from vehicles, but their tire tracks aren't much better given our climate and state of our aging roads.
That being said, if you do decide to jump on your bike and get a head start on the season, please take it slow, remember the 12 second rule of active scanning, and watch out for cars and trucks... they aren't used to seeing us.
Be safe!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
When are we going to get to ride?
Wow, seems like months since I've been on my bike.... actually it has been.
We're mid way through February and Phil says only a few more weeks till spring. Are you ready? I mean yeah, you're ready... who isn't? Is your bike ready? Do you have your gear gathered?
Are you mentally prepared? There are some good quick refresher books out there. I'm not implying that you forgot how to ride.. but it is possible to get a little rusty after sitting out 4 or 5 months.
The nice weather will be here before you know it... make sure you are ready to go.... mechanically, physically, and mentally.
We're mid way through February and Phil says only a few more weeks till spring. Are you ready? I mean yeah, you're ready... who isn't? Is your bike ready? Do you have your gear gathered?
Are you mentally prepared? There are some good quick refresher books out there. I'm not implying that you forgot how to ride.. but it is possible to get a little rusty after sitting out 4 or 5 months.
The nice weather will be here before you know it... make sure you are ready to go.... mechanically, physically, and mentally.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A new year
So it's a new year... most everyone makes New Years Resolutions that cover the gamete from cutting back on cigarettes to watching the caffeine intake to spending a little more time at the gym. Most of these resolutions start out with good intentions but most inevitably fail.
Why? I'm not sure. I think a lot of it has to do with guilty pleasures. I think everybody has at least one, whether its good or bad, but I think that's why so many new years resolutions are broken. There is a feeling of something missing.
Right now I am missing my time in the saddle. I made a resolution to my family to tone it down in the winter months because of the chance of slipping on ice or getting salt on the bike. For me riding my Harley is so much more than transportation. It's my sanity. It's my pride. It's what helps define who I am. I mean it's not "who" I am, but it's part of what makes up "Rocky."
There is the phrase out there "If you have to ask, you don't understand." It's true. Only motorcyclists can understand what I'm going through right now. My identity is caught between forecasts. Just when a nice rain comes through to wash the salt off the road, another front moves in.
Since I made the promise to take it easy over the next three months, I'm going to do something constructive. I'm going to do some research. I'm going to look at some weekend trips. I'm going to coordinate with my wife's calendar and put at least one weekend getaway on the bike a month during the summer months.
I'm also going to get more involved with our local Harley Owner's Group. The Mon Valley HOG chapter is filled with great people who love to ride whether its out to Sturgis, or down to the South Side for some ice cream.
I think if I can put a calendar together now, figure out my vacation days and work around events at the shop, I can really maximize my time on the bike for riding in 2011. It isn't exactly the same (and gratifying) as being "The Crazy Guy" cruising down Grant Street in 15 degrees with people pointing at me, but I think it will keep me occupied so that I can ease back into my 'guilty pleasure' come Spring.
Why? I'm not sure. I think a lot of it has to do with guilty pleasures. I think everybody has at least one, whether its good or bad, but I think that's why so many new years resolutions are broken. There is a feeling of something missing.
Right now I am missing my time in the saddle. I made a resolution to my family to tone it down in the winter months because of the chance of slipping on ice or getting salt on the bike. For me riding my Harley is so much more than transportation. It's my sanity. It's my pride. It's what helps define who I am. I mean it's not "who" I am, but it's part of what makes up "Rocky."
There is the phrase out there "If you have to ask, you don't understand." It's true. Only motorcyclists can understand what I'm going through right now. My identity is caught between forecasts. Just when a nice rain comes through to wash the salt off the road, another front moves in.
Since I made the promise to take it easy over the next three months, I'm going to do something constructive. I'm going to do some research. I'm going to look at some weekend trips. I'm going to coordinate with my wife's calendar and put at least one weekend getaway on the bike a month during the summer months.
I'm also going to get more involved with our local Harley Owner's Group. The Mon Valley HOG chapter is filled with great people who love to ride whether its out to Sturgis, or down to the South Side for some ice cream.
I think if I can put a calendar together now, figure out my vacation days and work around events at the shop, I can really maximize my time on the bike for riding in 2011. It isn't exactly the same (and gratifying) as being "The Crazy Guy" cruising down Grant Street in 15 degrees with people pointing at me, but I think it will keep me occupied so that I can ease back into my 'guilty pleasure' come Spring.
Monday, January 11, 2010
RIDING VICARIOUSLY THROUGH BOOKS AND MOVIES
By Rocky Marks
Western Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful riding terrain in the world. It is also home to some of the most fickle weather conditions in the world. Last January, we were able to sneak out for a quick ride here and there. I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year. I’m afraid we’re stuck until it warms up and some of this salt is washed off of the road.
That being said, there are many ways to get your motorcycling fix in during the winter months.
I’m an advocate of reading about motorcycling. I’m looking at the shelf in my office right now where I have carefully cataloged subscriptions to over 25 magazines. I also have a special box of vintage 70’s Easy Rider magazines that I’m saving for my boys—when they are old enough.
Next to my collection of magazines, is a book shelf loaded with some great stories and how-to advice. The book that I’m currently reading is called “The old Man and The Harley”. It was a Christmas present that I haven’t been able to put down yet.
It’s about a son who takes his aging father on a last ride across America—and discovers a riveting national history. The father originally took the ride in 1939 on an old Harley-Davidson from the New York World’s Fair and San Francisco’s Glittering Golden Gate International Exposition.
It is a truly amazing book. If you’re into American History it’s a good read. If you’re into American History and motorcycles, then this is a must read. When I finish the book, I’ll be sure to share my reflections in a forthcoming article.
There are other books that are less nostalgic but very helpful. There is the updated and expanded “Proficient Motorcycling” book by David L. Hough which is very informational and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles” now in it’s fourth edition and endorsed by Jay Leno.
If reading isn’t your thing, motorcycles are no stranger to the silver screen. There have been many great movies over the years about motorcycling. You can go all the way back to the 50’s and check out The Wild One (1953): Starring Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy and Lee Marvin. Brando rides a Triumph into town, and thousands of guys buy black leather jackets the next week.
Easy Rider (1969): The greatest motorcycling movie ever made, despite some weird, incoherent sequences in New Orleans. Peter Fonda was never cooler. Dennis Hopper writes, directs and stars alongside him as they ride in search of America.
On Any Sunday (1971): Bruce Brown's Oscar-nominated documentary about motorcycle racing across the world, featuring Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawwill and the great Steve McQueen.
Mask (1985): Cher stars as a motorcycle enthusiast with a deformed son in this Peter Bogdanovich film. Sam Elliott as Gar is the leader of a biker gang - but the good kind of biker gang, the kind with a heart. Some great motorcycles, and a kinder, gentler look at motorcycle culture.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991): Is James Cameron's second Terminator film. It is memorable for the scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator walks naked into a biker bar, and announces, "I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle." Beautiful!
The World's Fastest Indian (2005): Roger Donaldson's dramatic version of Burt Munro's attempt to set the land speed record on a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. Anthony Hopkins gives a great performance as Munro, a man whose obsession led him to risk everything to reach his goal.
It is my hope that some of those books or movies get you warmed up to thinking about your motorcycle all snug and cozy in the corner of your garage.
If you have a favorite book or movie, I’d love for you to share it with me by sending me an e-mail. My e-mail address is rocky@hotmetalharley.com.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley Davidson in West Mifflin and Host of the weekly radio show “On the Road with Rocky” on 1250 AM WEAE.
Western Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful riding terrain in the world. It is also home to some of the most fickle weather conditions in the world. Last January, we were able to sneak out for a quick ride here and there. I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year. I’m afraid we’re stuck until it warms up and some of this salt is washed off of the road.
That being said, there are many ways to get your motorcycling fix in during the winter months.
I’m an advocate of reading about motorcycling. I’m looking at the shelf in my office right now where I have carefully cataloged subscriptions to over 25 magazines. I also have a special box of vintage 70’s Easy Rider magazines that I’m saving for my boys—when they are old enough.
Next to my collection of magazines, is a book shelf loaded with some great stories and how-to advice. The book that I’m currently reading is called “The old Man and The Harley”. It was a Christmas present that I haven’t been able to put down yet.
It’s about a son who takes his aging father on a last ride across America—and discovers a riveting national history. The father originally took the ride in 1939 on an old Harley-Davidson from the New York World’s Fair and San Francisco’s Glittering Golden Gate International Exposition.
It is a truly amazing book. If you’re into American History it’s a good read. If you’re into American History and motorcycles, then this is a must read. When I finish the book, I’ll be sure to share my reflections in a forthcoming article.
There are other books that are less nostalgic but very helpful. There is the updated and expanded “Proficient Motorcycling” book by David L. Hough which is very informational and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles” now in it’s fourth edition and endorsed by Jay Leno.
If reading isn’t your thing, motorcycles are no stranger to the silver screen. There have been many great movies over the years about motorcycling. You can go all the way back to the 50’s and check out The Wild One (1953): Starring Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy and Lee Marvin. Brando rides a Triumph into town, and thousands of guys buy black leather jackets the next week.
Easy Rider (1969): The greatest motorcycling movie ever made, despite some weird, incoherent sequences in New Orleans. Peter Fonda was never cooler. Dennis Hopper writes, directs and stars alongside him as they ride in search of America.
On Any Sunday (1971): Bruce Brown's Oscar-nominated documentary about motorcycle racing across the world, featuring Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawwill and the great Steve McQueen.
Mask (1985): Cher stars as a motorcycle enthusiast with a deformed son in this Peter Bogdanovich film. Sam Elliott as Gar is the leader of a biker gang - but the good kind of biker gang, the kind with a heart. Some great motorcycles, and a kinder, gentler look at motorcycle culture.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991): Is James Cameron's second Terminator film. It is memorable for the scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator walks naked into a biker bar, and announces, "I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle." Beautiful!
The World's Fastest Indian (2005): Roger Donaldson's dramatic version of Burt Munro's attempt to set the land speed record on a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. Anthony Hopkins gives a great performance as Munro, a man whose obsession led him to risk everything to reach his goal.
It is my hope that some of those books or movies get you warmed up to thinking about your motorcycle all snug and cozy in the corner of your garage.
If you have a favorite book or movie, I’d love for you to share it with me by sending me an e-mail. My e-mail address is rocky@hotmetalharley.com.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley Davidson in West Mifflin and Host of the weekly radio show “On the Road with Rocky” on 1250 AM WEAE.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sir, May I see your license?
To this day it simply amazes me how many riders do not have a valid motorcycle license in the state of Pennsylvania. Motorcyclists often talk about the dangers of riding on the road and topping their list of concerns is "the other guy" on the road.
We get it. I understand and agree that you have to be a defensive rider. But before you practice defense, you have to learn how to play the game. In order to play the game, you must be a licensed rider. In the state of Pennsylvania that means that you must have a Class "M" certification.
I've heard all of the excuses before. Everything from "I'm too busy" to "I've been riding for 30 years! Why do I need one now?" Why? Because its the law. If not only for that reason, you'll be doing yourself, your family and everyone else on the road a favor by getting your skills tested.
I mean, if you have been riding for years, then you don't have anything to worry about, right? Or do you? Is that why you've been putting it off? I also understand the time issue. Time is a luxury that few people have these days.
That's why now would be a perfect time of the year to go and get that motorcycle license that you've been putting off. If you get the ball rolling now, you can easily be licensed by spring.
The process is quite simple, actually. It will only take about 20 minutes of time to get the ball rolling.
A Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-5) will first need to be completed. You'll need to grab ten bucks and head to a PennDOT Driver License Center for processing. You will be given a vision screening and a motorcycle knowledge test on the spot.
The test is really easy. There is a book (more like a pamphlet) that contains all of the answers to the test and it can be found at the center or at most motorcycle dealerships. It’s called the “Motorcycle Operator Manual.” It’s a whopping 40 pages with illustrations and a sample test.
We're not talking the SAT's here. This is just a simple 20 question multiple choice test to get your permit. I will give you some advice though. Some questions have two answers that could be right. You’ll have to go through and pick the better answer. You don’t even need a perfect score to pass, so if you miss one or two, you’ll still pass.
Once you pass the knowledge test, the application will be processed and a motorcycle (Class M) learner’s permit issued. The learner’s permit allows you to practice safe operating skills and is valid for one year.
When you’re ready to take your skills test, you can either schedule an appointment at one of PennDOT’s Driver License Centers or schedule training through the motorcycle safety program. This can be done on-line by going to www.pamsp.com.
I highly recommend the motorcycle safety program. They give you motorcycles to ride, it can be done on weekends, and you get your Class M endorsement right there on the spot upon completion of the program. It’s very simple.
Over the next few months, the weather isn’t going to be the best for riding anyway. So why don’t you do yourself, your family and fellow motorcyclists a favor and get started on getting your license!
We get it. I understand and agree that you have to be a defensive rider. But before you practice defense, you have to learn how to play the game. In order to play the game, you must be a licensed rider. In the state of Pennsylvania that means that you must have a Class "M" certification.
I've heard all of the excuses before. Everything from "I'm too busy" to "I've been riding for 30 years! Why do I need one now?" Why? Because its the law. If not only for that reason, you'll be doing yourself, your family and everyone else on the road a favor by getting your skills tested.
I mean, if you have been riding for years, then you don't have anything to worry about, right? Or do you? Is that why you've been putting it off? I also understand the time issue. Time is a luxury that few people have these days.
That's why now would be a perfect time of the year to go and get that motorcycle license that you've been putting off. If you get the ball rolling now, you can easily be licensed by spring.
The process is quite simple, actually. It will only take about 20 minutes of time to get the ball rolling.
A Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-5) will first need to be completed. You'll need to grab ten bucks and head to a PennDOT Driver License Center for processing. You will be given a vision screening and a motorcycle knowledge test on the spot.
The test is really easy. There is a book (more like a pamphlet) that contains all of the answers to the test and it can be found at the center or at most motorcycle dealerships. It’s called the “Motorcycle Operator Manual.” It’s a whopping 40 pages with illustrations and a sample test.
We're not talking the SAT's here. This is just a simple 20 question multiple choice test to get your permit. I will give you some advice though. Some questions have two answers that could be right. You’ll have to go through and pick the better answer. You don’t even need a perfect score to pass, so if you miss one or two, you’ll still pass.
Once you pass the knowledge test, the application will be processed and a motorcycle (Class M) learner’s permit issued. The learner’s permit allows you to practice safe operating skills and is valid for one year.
When you’re ready to take your skills test, you can either schedule an appointment at one of PennDOT’s Driver License Centers or schedule training through the motorcycle safety program. This can be done on-line by going to www.pamsp.com.
I highly recommend the motorcycle safety program. They give you motorcycles to ride, it can be done on weekends, and you get your Class M endorsement right there on the spot upon completion of the program. It’s very simple.
Over the next few months, the weather isn’t going to be the best for riding anyway. So why don’t you do yourself, your family and fellow motorcyclists a favor and get started on getting your license!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Are you prepared for I.C.E. (Incase of Emergency)
Are you prepared for I.C.E. (Incase of Emergency)
Accidents, they happen. What happens if you are involved in an accident and aren’t able to speak. How will your loved ones be notified? How will you be able to communicate your allergies and the medications you take to the Paramedics? Who will pick up your bike? That’s why you have to be ready with “I.C.E.” (incase of emergency).
You never know when an emergency situation will pop up while you’re on the road, so you should always be prepared. Sounds simple, right? But are you really prepared for a true emergency while riding your motorcycle? There are some really simple things that you can do to help you get swift medical treatment with very little guessing.
I’m going to start with my wallet. I don’t wear a chained wallet because I think it looks cool, or because it’s a rebellious fashion statement. I wear it because it’s practical for a motorcyclist. I make sure my wallet is attached to my body so I know where it is at all times. My drivers license, debit card, credit card, medical cards, AAA card, and a few business cards easily fit into my full sized wallet.
The chained wallet also comes with a clip for my keys so they are handy and it has a pouch for loose change. I’m going to stop short of calling it a “man purse” but that’s pretty much what it is. Everything I need is within easy reach.
I carry my “ICE Card” in my wallet at all times. Emergency personnel often look for this abbreviation so that they can quickly notify family members of someone who has been involved in an accident. Most commonly, “I.C.E.” information is found in cell phone contact lists. I wanted to take it a step further just incase something happens to the phone during the spill.
The card is really simple. It’s a laminated florescent pink piece of paper that sticks our just beyond my drivers license. Rescue crews can learn just about everything they need to know to treat me safely. I have the medications that I take as well as my allergies to bees and penicillin listed right below the contact numbers for my wife and my mom. I even have a number to call to arrange for the pick up the motorcycle.
I carry two phones with me. One is a regular flip phone and the other is my beloved Blackberry. The Blackberry is great for sneaking a few e-mails into work when the wife isn’t looking. If you are lost you can look your location up on your mobile map to get you going in the right direction. I’ve also used the weather application to outrun the weather and successfully skirted quite a few storms.
While the Blackberry is perfect for taking care of business road side, it’s not as user friendly as a traditional cellular phone. I chose the flip phone because the screen and number pad is protected by the outer shell of the phone. This type of phone will come in handy in the event that it should go flying across the highway.
Under the contacts on that phone, I have my wife listed as _ICE-Wife and my mom is listed as _ICE-Mom. I choose to put the underscore before their name so that those two numbers are listed at the top of my contact list. When an emergency responder looks at my phone, there is no question as to who to call or to get a medical history from.
In addition to the wallet and two cell phones, I always make sure I have my Epi-Pen on board because of my bee allergies. I also carry a variety of bandages and alcohol wipes in a baggie. I’m a huge fan of sunscreen. I carry the spray on in my tour pack. It’s not as messy and seems to apply evenly.
Before you head out for a ride, whether it’s on the open road or around the block, you should always be prepared just in case of an emergency. It’s really simple to do. Start putting things together now so that by the time Spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to go!
Accidents, they happen. What happens if you are involved in an accident and aren’t able to speak. How will your loved ones be notified? How will you be able to communicate your allergies and the medications you take to the Paramedics? Who will pick up your bike? That’s why you have to be ready with “I.C.E.” (incase of emergency).
You never know when an emergency situation will pop up while you’re on the road, so you should always be prepared. Sounds simple, right? But are you really prepared for a true emergency while riding your motorcycle? There are some really simple things that you can do to help you get swift medical treatment with very little guessing.
I’m going to start with my wallet. I don’t wear a chained wallet because I think it looks cool, or because it’s a rebellious fashion statement. I wear it because it’s practical for a motorcyclist. I make sure my wallet is attached to my body so I know where it is at all times. My drivers license, debit card, credit card, medical cards, AAA card, and a few business cards easily fit into my full sized wallet.
The chained wallet also comes with a clip for my keys so they are handy and it has a pouch for loose change. I’m going to stop short of calling it a “man purse” but that’s pretty much what it is. Everything I need is within easy reach.
I carry my “ICE Card” in my wallet at all times. Emergency personnel often look for this abbreviation so that they can quickly notify family members of someone who has been involved in an accident. Most commonly, “I.C.E.” information is found in cell phone contact lists. I wanted to take it a step further just incase something happens to the phone during the spill.
The card is really simple. It’s a laminated florescent pink piece of paper that sticks our just beyond my drivers license. Rescue crews can learn just about everything they need to know to treat me safely. I have the medications that I take as well as my allergies to bees and penicillin listed right below the contact numbers for my wife and my mom. I even have a number to call to arrange for the pick up the motorcycle.
I carry two phones with me. One is a regular flip phone and the other is my beloved Blackberry. The Blackberry is great for sneaking a few e-mails into work when the wife isn’t looking. If you are lost you can look your location up on your mobile map to get you going in the right direction. I’ve also used the weather application to outrun the weather and successfully skirted quite a few storms.
While the Blackberry is perfect for taking care of business road side, it’s not as user friendly as a traditional cellular phone. I chose the flip phone because the screen and number pad is protected by the outer shell of the phone. This type of phone will come in handy in the event that it should go flying across the highway.
Under the contacts on that phone, I have my wife listed as _ICE-Wife and my mom is listed as _ICE-Mom. I choose to put the underscore before their name so that those two numbers are listed at the top of my contact list. When an emergency responder looks at my phone, there is no question as to who to call or to get a medical history from.
In addition to the wallet and two cell phones, I always make sure I have my Epi-Pen on board because of my bee allergies. I also carry a variety of bandages and alcohol wipes in a baggie. I’m a huge fan of sunscreen. I carry the spray on in my tour pack. It’s not as messy and seems to apply evenly.
Before you head out for a ride, whether it’s on the open road or around the block, you should always be prepared just in case of an emergency. It’s really simple to do. Start putting things together now so that by the time Spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to go!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Bringing a Panhead (and youth) back to life
Bringing a Panhead (and youth) back to life
Thursday, December 03, 2009
By Rocky Marks
After years of restoration and rebuilding, Dan Decker is back on his Harley Panhead, the bike he rode in his youth, right.
My father-in-law, Dan Decker, used to ride his 1956 Harley-Davidson Panhead around the Cambria County town of Ebensburg in the '60s and '70s. He didn't do it because he thought he was "cool" or it was "the thing to do." He did it out of necessity. It was his only mode of transportation. It didn't matter if it was raining, sleeting or snowing, that was his ride.
Ride and write
Welcome to Pittsburgh Rides, our regular feature on motorcycling. Here we bring you the latest in rides, trends and events, but we need your input. We're looking for voices from the local biking community willing to share (in roughly 500 words) your experiences on the road and what you think is hot on wheels.
Send your story or pitch to Weekend editor Scott Mervis at smervis@post-gazette.com.
Not only did that old Harley take him to and from work, but it safely delivered him to and from trade school in Quincy, Ill., where he became a certified gemologist. When he married my mother-in-law, they were able to put enough money together to purchase a car. It was a green Volkswagen Beetle, which was pretty inexpensive at the time and allowed him to hang on to that old Panhead.
My in-laws moved back to the Johnstown area in the '70s and it served as a second vehicle up until the late '70s when their family began to expand. In 1981, he parked it, put it under a cover with a promise to one day bring it back to life again.
That day came in 1998 around the time his oldest daughter and I were about to get married. His thought was now that the kids were moving out of the house, getting married and starting their own families, it would be a good time to bring it out of storage and put it front and center in the garage to start the restoration.
He started dissembling the motorcycle piece by piece. He neatly labeled the parts and put the bolts in their own little baggies. As he moved from one area of the bike to the next he discovered two very important things. His eyes weren't what they used to be and neither was his patience.
Determined to get his bike back on the road, he enlisted a local bike builder and the project was on. That was 1998. Less than a month ago, the project was completed. What started out as a two-year project, turned into just shy of 11 years.
It wasn't because of laziness that the project took so long. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Dan and Tom, the bike builder, sat down and mapped out the entire project vowing to only use original parts. Everything was to be exactly how it would have rolled off the showroom floor in 1956.
Of course, they don't make original replacement parts for motorcycles that are more than 50 years old, so a lot of time and dedication was put into researching what needed to go on to the motorcycle and then trying to find the original pieces.
This project took them from the Internet, to swap meets, to old Harley dealerships trying to find the exact part they needed. If a part could not be located, it was fabricated, chromed and mounted onto the motorcycle.
Over that 10-year period, Dan and Tom got to know each other well. They were two enthusiasts, each on their own mission to restore not only a piece of history, but part of Dan's younger days.
My in-laws are regular riders. They have taken their Harley-Davidson Ultra to each corner of the United States on four separate trips. Each trip brought them closer together and restored their youth and enthusiasm for riding.
After this last trip to California, Dan received the news that he had been waiting for almost 11 years to hear. The bike was finally finished and it looked exactly like it did when he was almost 40 years younger. Dan wanted to be there when the bike came back to life, so the builder didn't start the bike until my father-in-law was present.
After a few minutes of getting the fluids through the engine and a couple swift kicks, the old Harley fired back to life along with the memories of Dan's youth. After a few adjustments of the carburetor, the old Panhead was on its way home.
Even though the bike was finished late in the riding season, Dan managed to get some miles on his bike before the snow started to fly. When I went home for Thanksgiving, he proudly unveiled his motorcycle and started it up for the family to enjoy.
It was very hard not to share in the excitement of the moment. The journey to restoration was long. The parts list and time involved added up, but the trip back to Dan's youth was priceless.
I can't wait for spring to get on the bike and feel firsthand what he experienced almost 40 years ago.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley-Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09337/1017928-475.stm#ixzz0ZdF9fqDH
Thursday, December 03, 2009
By Rocky Marks
After years of restoration and rebuilding, Dan Decker is back on his Harley Panhead, the bike he rode in his youth, right.
My father-in-law, Dan Decker, used to ride his 1956 Harley-Davidson Panhead around the Cambria County town of Ebensburg in the '60s and '70s. He didn't do it because he thought he was "cool" or it was "the thing to do." He did it out of necessity. It was his only mode of transportation. It didn't matter if it was raining, sleeting or snowing, that was his ride.
Ride and write
Welcome to Pittsburgh Rides, our regular feature on motorcycling. Here we bring you the latest in rides, trends and events, but we need your input. We're looking for voices from the local biking community willing to share (in roughly 500 words) your experiences on the road and what you think is hot on wheels.
Send your story or pitch to Weekend editor Scott Mervis at smervis@post-gazette.com.
Not only did that old Harley take him to and from work, but it safely delivered him to and from trade school in Quincy, Ill., where he became a certified gemologist. When he married my mother-in-law, they were able to put enough money together to purchase a car. It was a green Volkswagen Beetle, which was pretty inexpensive at the time and allowed him to hang on to that old Panhead.
My in-laws moved back to the Johnstown area in the '70s and it served as a second vehicle up until the late '70s when their family began to expand. In 1981, he parked it, put it under a cover with a promise to one day bring it back to life again.
That day came in 1998 around the time his oldest daughter and I were about to get married. His thought was now that the kids were moving out of the house, getting married and starting their own families, it would be a good time to bring it out of storage and put it front and center in the garage to start the restoration.
He started dissembling the motorcycle piece by piece. He neatly labeled the parts and put the bolts in their own little baggies. As he moved from one area of the bike to the next he discovered two very important things. His eyes weren't what they used to be and neither was his patience.
Determined to get his bike back on the road, he enlisted a local bike builder and the project was on. That was 1998. Less than a month ago, the project was completed. What started out as a two-year project, turned into just shy of 11 years.
It wasn't because of laziness that the project took so long. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Dan and Tom, the bike builder, sat down and mapped out the entire project vowing to only use original parts. Everything was to be exactly how it would have rolled off the showroom floor in 1956.
Of course, they don't make original replacement parts for motorcycles that are more than 50 years old, so a lot of time and dedication was put into researching what needed to go on to the motorcycle and then trying to find the original pieces.
This project took them from the Internet, to swap meets, to old Harley dealerships trying to find the exact part they needed. If a part could not be located, it was fabricated, chromed and mounted onto the motorcycle.
Over that 10-year period, Dan and Tom got to know each other well. They were two enthusiasts, each on their own mission to restore not only a piece of history, but part of Dan's younger days.
My in-laws are regular riders. They have taken their Harley-Davidson Ultra to each corner of the United States on four separate trips. Each trip brought them closer together and restored their youth and enthusiasm for riding.
After this last trip to California, Dan received the news that he had been waiting for almost 11 years to hear. The bike was finally finished and it looked exactly like it did when he was almost 40 years younger. Dan wanted to be there when the bike came back to life, so the builder didn't start the bike until my father-in-law was present.
After a few minutes of getting the fluids through the engine and a couple swift kicks, the old Harley fired back to life along with the memories of Dan's youth. After a few adjustments of the carburetor, the old Panhead was on its way home.
Even though the bike was finished late in the riding season, Dan managed to get some miles on his bike before the snow started to fly. When I went home for Thanksgiving, he proudly unveiled his motorcycle and started it up for the family to enjoy.
It was very hard not to share in the excitement of the moment. The journey to restoration was long. The parts list and time involved added up, but the trip back to Dan's youth was priceless.
I can't wait for spring to get on the bike and feel firsthand what he experienced almost 40 years ago.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley-Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09337/1017928-475.stm#ixzz0ZdF9fqDH
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"Cafe Society" documentary traces history of motorcycle racers
"Cafe Society" documentary traces history of motorcycle racers
Thursday, November 05, 2009
By Rocky Marks
I love motorcycles. I love getting on my bike and riding whenever and wherever I can as long as my schedule permits. I've known only one brand of motorcycle all of my life. It doesn't make me a bad person. It may simply mean that I'm a little sheltered or just brand loyal.
It seems that I'm not alone. Many motorcycle enthusiasts get comfortable with a brand of a motorcycle or a style of riding and they are content. With complacency comes ignorance. It may not even be intentional ignorance, but it happens.
That's what makes "Cafe Society," an hour-long documentary being screened at the Three Rivers Film Festival on Saturday, all the more eye-opening.
The history of the cafe racer in Europe parallels the history of choppers and motorcycle clubs in the United States after World War II.
United States vets coming back from the war turned to motorcycles as a way to blow off some steam by being weekend warriors with their pals. Not to mention, owning and servicing motorcycles in the '50s was rather inexpensive. In fact, many were do-it-yourselfers, which led to a phenomenon of taking stock Harley-Davidson motorcycles and turning them into bobbers and choppers.
Motorcycles in the United States in the '50s were more like a hobby for most. In England they were a necessity. A tough battle was fought, leaving infrastructure heavily damaged and fuel a precious commodity. For Europeans, a motorcycle was the perfect mode of transportation during this difficult time.
Eventually customization came on to the scene as youngsters formed their own groups and gathered at cafes to listen to rock 'n' roll and display their latest creations from stock Nortons, BSAs and Triumphs. Instead of going for the laid-back stance the Americans favored, they made their bikes lighter, pushed their riding position forward and focused on performance, rather than looks.
As London was being rebuilt, new highways were created, which made conditions perfect for the motorcyclists to test their new highly tuned machines. Eventually, this led to competitions -- races from a cafe to a predetermined destination and then back again. They did these races during one song on the jukebox, which at the time typically lasted approximately three minutes.
I spoke to the director of "Cafe Society," Mike Seate, on his way to the New York premiere last Thursday and he said the project took about two years to complete and he did it out of his own love for cafe racers. He vacations in Europe every year and is constantly going to events in the States. Mike has eight motorcycles that his wife knows about.
Americans have a passion for choppers because it's "what they know." Fortunately, thanks to the Three Rivers Film Festival, you'll be able to see this amazing documentary at the Harris Theater Downtown at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8 and are available online at www.proartsticket.org or at the box office.
You can also see clips and order this movie by going to www.cafesocietyfilm.com.
As far as me, while I have a brand that I am very loyal to, I think there is room in the garage for more than one bike, and it just may be a cafe racer.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley-Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010814-475.stm#ixzz0ZdFbYyLt
Thursday, November 05, 2009
By Rocky Marks
I love motorcycles. I love getting on my bike and riding whenever and wherever I can as long as my schedule permits. I've known only one brand of motorcycle all of my life. It doesn't make me a bad person. It may simply mean that I'm a little sheltered or just brand loyal.
It seems that I'm not alone. Many motorcycle enthusiasts get comfortable with a brand of a motorcycle or a style of riding and they are content. With complacency comes ignorance. It may not even be intentional ignorance, but it happens.
That's what makes "Cafe Society," an hour-long documentary being screened at the Three Rivers Film Festival on Saturday, all the more eye-opening.
The history of the cafe racer in Europe parallels the history of choppers and motorcycle clubs in the United States after World War II.
United States vets coming back from the war turned to motorcycles as a way to blow off some steam by being weekend warriors with their pals. Not to mention, owning and servicing motorcycles in the '50s was rather inexpensive. In fact, many were do-it-yourselfers, which led to a phenomenon of taking stock Harley-Davidson motorcycles and turning them into bobbers and choppers.
Motorcycles in the United States in the '50s were more like a hobby for most. In England they were a necessity. A tough battle was fought, leaving infrastructure heavily damaged and fuel a precious commodity. For Europeans, a motorcycle was the perfect mode of transportation during this difficult time.
Eventually customization came on to the scene as youngsters formed their own groups and gathered at cafes to listen to rock 'n' roll and display their latest creations from stock Nortons, BSAs and Triumphs. Instead of going for the laid-back stance the Americans favored, they made their bikes lighter, pushed their riding position forward and focused on performance, rather than looks.
As London was being rebuilt, new highways were created, which made conditions perfect for the motorcyclists to test their new highly tuned machines. Eventually, this led to competitions -- races from a cafe to a predetermined destination and then back again. They did these races during one song on the jukebox, which at the time typically lasted approximately three minutes.
I spoke to the director of "Cafe Society," Mike Seate, on his way to the New York premiere last Thursday and he said the project took about two years to complete and he did it out of his own love for cafe racers. He vacations in Europe every year and is constantly going to events in the States. Mike has eight motorcycles that his wife knows about.
Americans have a passion for choppers because it's "what they know." Fortunately, thanks to the Three Rivers Film Festival, you'll be able to see this amazing documentary at the Harris Theater Downtown at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8 and are available online at www.proartsticket.org or at the box office.
You can also see clips and order this movie by going to www.cafesocietyfilm.com.
As far as me, while I have a brand that I am very loyal to, I think there is room in the garage for more than one bike, and it just may be a cafe racer.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley-Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09309/1010814-475.stm#ixzz0ZdFbYyLt
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Do your homework before buying online
Do your homework before buying online
Thursday, October 29, 2009
By Rocky Marks
Anita Dufalla
Recently, I was perusing the motorcycle section of the popular free classified Web site craigslist. I've heard many stories from people that have used craigslist with both positive and negative feedback. I've had friends walk away with furniture, others find apartments to rent, and even friends who have claimed to have found "true love" on craigslist.
From time to time, I'll check out the motorcycle section to see what the market is doing, and once in a while I'll find an ad that will catch my attention. What you are about to read is an ad that made me shake my head. I won't give the poster's name or location, but I will share the majority of the ad with you. This is a classic example of how not to post an ad to sell your motorcycle and probably a red flag for someone who is looking to purchase a pre-owned motorcycle.
"Selling a Brand New Harley VRSC V-Rod Night Edition with only 5 Miles!! I bought this bike brand new with 0 Miles off the showroom floor and NEVER have time to ride it since my work promotion takes away a lot of my free time. 2009 was the last year they made the V-Rod so this is a bike that will most likely hold its value! I bought the bike for $18,000 and I am asking $16,000/BO. I am also including a New NEVER worn black full face helmet and a nearly new Hydraulic Pump Bike Stand ($500 value) great for cleaning and oil changes. This bike was inspected till 2010 and title is clean."
OK, let's break this down. The first thing that you want to make sure the ad has is the correct year, make and model of the motorcycle that's for sale. If you look at the example above, the seller doesn't have a "brand new" motorcycle, he has a "used" motorcycle that he's trying to sell. There is no such thing as a "Night Edition." The picture of this motorcycle was of a VRSCDXA "Night Rod Special." So right off, we have a person selling a motorcycle that he isn't really familiar with. This is when research really pays off.
The poster claims he purchased the motorcycle with zero miles off the showroom floor. Harley-Davidson does a minimum one-mile roll test at the factory on a Dynamometer, and for legal reasons, the dealership is required to make sure there is a minimum number of miles put on the motorcycle locally for a test ride before it can be sold to a consumer. This is why pictures of odometers should be posted with ads. Personally, if I saw the reading of only five miles, then it would lend more credibility to the poster and I wouldn't be second guessing the mileage.
Whether you're posting or purchasing, never take a claim like "it was the last year they made it, so it will hold its value" for granted. It's important that you do some research. I went to the manufacturer's Web site and found that Harley-Davidson still makes the Night Rod Special Model in 2010, and the base price is $16,699. I also went to both Kelley Blue Book and NADA's (National Automobile Dealers Association) Web site and found that the stock 2008 motorcycle isn't bringing in the $16,000 as the seller is hoping it will.
Unless you have a large down payment, most banks will lend on only the NADA value of a motorcycle. (Yes, there are some exceptions, but in this economy, it is very rare.) There are people out there with cash who are willing to spend it, but the average consumer has to rely on banks, and in order for that bike to move out of your garage (or into your garage if you're purchasing) is by sticking close to the NADA value.
Another point about this post I would like to discourage is the fact the seller is offering a helmet with the motorcycle. There is absolutely no way to know if the helmet was worn, dropped, left out in the sun or damaged in any way that could cause it to weaken and not fully absorb the shock of an impact during a crash.
Helmets should be purchased carefully, and you need to shop around where you can look at different styles, weights and designs. They do not fall into the "one size fits all" category, and you should select a helmet that properly fits you before taking to the open road.
I don't know the circumstances around this particular ad. Maybe the seller of the motorcycle was misinformed. Maybe he didn't do the proper research when purchasing the motorcycle, but it is still his responsibility to get the facts right before putting it up for sale. Don't get me wrong, the Internet is a great starting point for research and it can help you narrow the search for your dream bike, as long as you are looking on the proper Web sites.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09302/1008961-475.stm#ixzz0ZdGHNjKG
Thursday, October 29, 2009
By Rocky Marks
Anita Dufalla
Recently, I was perusing the motorcycle section of the popular free classified Web site craigslist. I've heard many stories from people that have used craigslist with both positive and negative feedback. I've had friends walk away with furniture, others find apartments to rent, and even friends who have claimed to have found "true love" on craigslist.
From time to time, I'll check out the motorcycle section to see what the market is doing, and once in a while I'll find an ad that will catch my attention. What you are about to read is an ad that made me shake my head. I won't give the poster's name or location, but I will share the majority of the ad with you. This is a classic example of how not to post an ad to sell your motorcycle and probably a red flag for someone who is looking to purchase a pre-owned motorcycle.
"Selling a Brand New Harley VRSC V-Rod Night Edition with only 5 Miles!! I bought this bike brand new with 0 Miles off the showroom floor and NEVER have time to ride it since my work promotion takes away a lot of my free time. 2009 was the last year they made the V-Rod so this is a bike that will most likely hold its value! I bought the bike for $18,000 and I am asking $16,000/BO. I am also including a New NEVER worn black full face helmet and a nearly new Hydraulic Pump Bike Stand ($500 value) great for cleaning and oil changes. This bike was inspected till 2010 and title is clean."
OK, let's break this down. The first thing that you want to make sure the ad has is the correct year, make and model of the motorcycle that's for sale. If you look at the example above, the seller doesn't have a "brand new" motorcycle, he has a "used" motorcycle that he's trying to sell. There is no such thing as a "Night Edition." The picture of this motorcycle was of a VRSCDXA "Night Rod Special." So right off, we have a person selling a motorcycle that he isn't really familiar with. This is when research really pays off.
The poster claims he purchased the motorcycle with zero miles off the showroom floor. Harley-Davidson does a minimum one-mile roll test at the factory on a Dynamometer, and for legal reasons, the dealership is required to make sure there is a minimum number of miles put on the motorcycle locally for a test ride before it can be sold to a consumer. This is why pictures of odometers should be posted with ads. Personally, if I saw the reading of only five miles, then it would lend more credibility to the poster and I wouldn't be second guessing the mileage.
Whether you're posting or purchasing, never take a claim like "it was the last year they made it, so it will hold its value" for granted. It's important that you do some research. I went to the manufacturer's Web site and found that Harley-Davidson still makes the Night Rod Special Model in 2010, and the base price is $16,699. I also went to both Kelley Blue Book and NADA's (National Automobile Dealers Association) Web site and found that the stock 2008 motorcycle isn't bringing in the $16,000 as the seller is hoping it will.
Unless you have a large down payment, most banks will lend on only the NADA value of a motorcycle. (Yes, there are some exceptions, but in this economy, it is very rare.) There are people out there with cash who are willing to spend it, but the average consumer has to rely on banks, and in order for that bike to move out of your garage (or into your garage if you're purchasing) is by sticking close to the NADA value.
Another point about this post I would like to discourage is the fact the seller is offering a helmet with the motorcycle. There is absolutely no way to know if the helmet was worn, dropped, left out in the sun or damaged in any way that could cause it to weaken and not fully absorb the shock of an impact during a crash.
Helmets should be purchased carefully, and you need to shop around where you can look at different styles, weights and designs. They do not fall into the "one size fits all" category, and you should select a helmet that properly fits you before taking to the open road.
I don't know the circumstances around this particular ad. Maybe the seller of the motorcycle was misinformed. Maybe he didn't do the proper research when purchasing the motorcycle, but it is still his responsibility to get the facts right before putting it up for sale. Don't get me wrong, the Internet is a great starting point for research and it can help you narrow the search for your dream bike, as long as you are looking on the proper Web sites.
Rocky Marks is the operations manager for Hot Metal Harley Davidson in West Mifflin and host of the weekly radio show "On the Road With Rocky" on 1250 AM WEAE.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09302/1008961-475.stm#ixzz0ZdGHNjKG
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