Work, Life, Balance

The words WORK and LIFE combined with BALANCE are critical to living a fulfilling life of peace and happiness.  If work and life fall out of balance there is a pretty good chance that you will burn out faster than you would like to.  You won't be productive at work and you won't do very well at home either.

I'm fortunate in the fact that I have an employer who understands the work/life balance.  I feel like I give 110% when I'm there and I'm a very loyal employee. But when I'm not there I need to focus on my family and give them 110% as well too which can often be a challenge.

I have this habit (and I'm not sure if it's a bad habit or a good habit) where I get very close to a job and it becomes part of the very fabric that I'm made of and becomes and operates very much like a family unit. I need to separate that family from my home family.  There was a time when radio was my "family" now the dealership is my "family." 

I do miss my radio "family", but many of them have all moved on to new endeavors outside of the industry.  I won't use the term "bigger and better" because we lived large and it was a good time. There are 20 years of memories that I'm still legally not allowed to mention, even on a private blog.

Going back to my employer... The owner & general manager work with me in terms of my schedule so that I am able to maintain a sane safe balanced lifestyle because of my condition with bipolar disorder. For anyone who doesn't know what it's like, try to remember your mother going through 'the change' where one minute she is laughing, the next she is crying and there is no reason why.

I'll spend the better part of a Sunday trying to please everyone and trying to make family time with each individual child.  If I veer off my plans for that day, I spend the rest of the night beating myself up for what I didn't get to do, and for the fact that it will be another 7 days before I have this chance again.  (I also often worry that something bad may happen due to an accident or something where I won't be able to make up for that lost time.

So why am I writing this? Well for one I'm making the long drive from work to home so why not be productive and dictate a blog. Number two, I left a little early today with my manager's permission so that I can attend my children's scout awards ceremony.

When I leave "on time" or even early, I often feel bad because I feel like sometimes I'm not giving my 110% because I'm not staying after hours. In the same token I should really be feeling guilty on nights where I close and stay late because I'm not making it home as fast as I should and giving them 100%.

That's where the work/life balance comes into play.  I have a career, I don't have a "job"... and I hope to God that I never have a "job."  I've been very lucky in my life to have 2 careers, one of which has followed me into this career and allows me to still practice radio for 20 years now!

I just don't want to be one of the people who sit in the parking lot waiting for 10:00 to punch in.  And I don't want to be one of those people who punch out at exactly 7PM as they go flying out the door. THOSE are the people with a "job" and that's so NOT me.  

So here is my question to YOU.... how do you have a successful career and maintain a healthy fulfilling home life?  Any thoughts or feedback would be greatly appreciated.  I would love to see how you do it.

Watch Your Back!

By Jerry Smith

Baseball great Satchel Paige once said, "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Good advice, maybe, for a seemingly ageless pitcher, but not so good for motorcyclists, especially when they're stopped at an intersection and don't see the distracted driver bearing down on them from behind. It takes more than a working brake light to prevent being bunted into a busy intersection or squashed like a bug between two bumpers. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting caught in a squeeze play.

As you decelerate for a stoplight, check your mirrors to see if the traffic behind you is slowing down, too. Touch the brakes several times to flash your brake lights. Be extra vigilant if you decide to stop for a fresh yellow light in case the guy behind you decides to run it. And while we don't generally advocate running a yellow, that's your best course of action if it's clear that the car behind you is planning to.

Now that you've stopped, be ready to go again in a heartbeat in case the space you're in seems in imminent danger of being occupied by a speeding car. Position your bike on either side of the greasy center of the lane. Leave the transmission in gear and hold the clutch in. If that's not practical, put your right foot down, leave your left foot on the peg ready to engage first gear, and cover the clutch lever.

Always have an out in case the car in your mirror is becoming alarmingly large, alarmingly quick. If you're turning left and there's a curb or a median to your left and a car in front of you, position your bike on the right side of the lane so you can slip around the car if necessary. But be aware of through traffic coming up behind you that's not slowing down to turn. Stop far enough back from the car ahead to give yourself room to maneuver. If your front tire is inches from a bumper, you won't be able to turn without backing up first. That's a bad place to be.

In addition to bike placement, bike equipment can help tip the odds in your favor. Keep your mirrors clean and adjusted properly, and if all you can see in them is your elbows, swap them out for ones that do what mirrors are supposed to do. Check your brake light and taillights often, invest in some auxiliary brake lights, and add some reflective tape to the back of your bike for night riding. Every little bit helps.

"Where are you riding to?" vs "What do you do?"

by:  Rocky Marks

Back in 1998 I remember taking a sociology class. One of the things we talked about or statuses, hierarchies if you will.

Today status is common forms of jobs where you are in management where you aren't in management and many people judge you based on what it is you do or do not do for a living.

For motorcyclists that's different though, the traditional what do you do for living turns into where are you going or perhaps what do you ride? The what do you ride doesn't necessarily indicate a status is simply a question to get the conversation started between two people that have a common bond on the road.

It's been my experience that most of the time people learn what other people do once they are gathered around a dinner table and start talking about work family and children. After that is still does not change the makeup of the crowd

I shouldn't say I should say does not take up the dynamic makeup of I should say that it does not change the dynamic makeup of the group

I've been on rides with the unemployed disabled the hourly workers the minimum-wage workers salaried employees middle-management upper management CEOs CFOs and Supreme Court justices. And you know what they are all the same.

They are riders. Whether it is you're around seasonal or just a few times a month they are riders and they enjoy the fellowship on the road the investment they have between their legs and the camaraderie that they share with other riders

I'd rather not get into the question of what is a real rider.  Usually those debates are started by those that are insecure about their own status as a rider.

2014 Schedule of National Bike Runs & Rallies

March 7 - 16: Bike Week 2014,Daytona Beach, FL
The kickoff event of the motorcycling year. Thaw out your bike and ride on down!

March 15: The Daytona 200, Daytona, FL
You don't have to be a racing fan to appreciate the skill on display at the Daytona 200, America's most historic motorcycle race. The kick-off to the 2014 motorcycle road season.

April 2 - 6: Arizona Bike Week, Mesa, AZ
This one gets bigger every year. If the April dates aren't enough for you, there are even Pre-Rally Days from March 28 to April 1.

April 23 - 27: Laughlin River Run, Laughlin, NV
Laughlin is billed as "the largest motorcycle event on the west coast." Help make it even bigger by attending this year.

May 25: Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom, Washington, DC
This annual ride through our nation's capital is designed to bring attention to POW/MIA issues. 2014 marks the 27th year for the charity event, which raises awareness, funds and pulse rates.

June 2 - 7: Americade, Lake George, NY
The world's biggest all-brand touring rally gathers on the shores of beautiful Lake George.

June 14 - 22: Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, NH
America's oldest motorcycle rally returns for its 91st edition this year, and it promises to be a blowout.

June 14 -22: Mother Road Ride Rally , Willowbrook, IL
Riders from around the world fantasize about riding Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. Here's a chance to join the 20th annual Rally along the 2,448-mile route.

July 11 - 13: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Lexington, OH
Real vintage bikes from all eras racing around Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, many piloted by vintage motorcycle racers.

August 4 - 10: Sturgis Rally and Races, Sturgis, SD
This year marks the 74th rally.

October 16 - 19: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach, FL
Close out the riding season with one last warm weather rally. Heading into its 22nd year, Biketoberfest has grown to be a more manageable version of Bike Week, but still plenty fun and exciting.

Things to do During the Off-Season

Written by Attorney Edgar Snyder of Edgar Snyder & Associates

Even though the weather is cooler, there are many things you can do as a biker to continue your way of life all year long. We've compiled our top 10 biker projects for the off-season.

1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course – Search your area or local DMV for a motorcycle safety course schedule. It's important to have a refresher on motorcycle safety, and you can hone your bike handling skills. Even if there isn't one until the spring, many places will allow you to register months ahead of time. Upgrade yourself first!
2. Look for New Riding Gear – If yours is getting a bit old, or no longer doing what it's supposed to do, it may be time to upgrade. Many times motorcycle attire is on sale during the off-season.
3. Tune up Your Bike – Check and test all parts of your motorcycle to be sure it's running as safely and efficiently as possible.
4. Change the Seat – It's a great way to make your ride more comfortable, especially if you go on a lot of group rides or cross-country tours.
5. Review Your Insurance Policy – Now is the time to review your insurance policy and decide whether you should upgrade your coverage. Remember, accidents can happen any place, anytime, and anywhere. It's best to be prepared and protect your financial security – before it's too late.
6. Customize Your Motorcycle Helmet – Having a one-of-a-kind helmet is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself as a biker. There are many things you can do, while still making sure it falls within the Department of Transportation standards.
7. Winterize Your Motorcycle – There are dozens of articles out there that tell you step-by-step how to prepare your bike for the winter, how to protect it from snow and ice, and how to store it – if you choose to do so.
8. Join a Local Motorcycle Group – Being a biker is a way of life, and there's no better way to share it than to spend time in the motorcycle culture. Look up local groups and see what they have to offer – group rides, rallies, resources, training courses, apparel discounts, tutorials on customizing your bike, and more.
9. Look into Purchasing a New Bike – If you're thinking you want to get a new motorcycle, the off-season is a great time to do your research and find the one that's right for you. It also gives you plenty of time to review the safety features of each model and see what options are available for customizing it.
10. Install a Camera – It's a way to relive your biking experiences, but it also can capture live footage if you're ever in an accident, and can provide valuable evidence.

Attorney Edgar Snyder has over 45 years of experience helping injury victims. He founded Edgar Snyder & Associates, a Pennsylvania law firm that has represented hundreds of motorcyclists. Learn more at EdgarSnyder.com.

Fall Riding Season Safety Tips

By Attorney Edgar Snyder

Summer officially has come to an end, and for many motorcyclists this means their favorite riding season begins. If you're planning on riding during the fall, follow these suggestions to make sure your bike is ready to safely handle the changes of the season.

Check the Mechanics

After the summer riding season, your bike may need a tune-up. Check that all parts are functioning correctly and that you have good tread and air pressure in your tires.  Make sure your fluid levels are good and that all controls are working properly.

Wear Proper Clothing

Fall weather can be unpredictable. It can be frigid in the morning and reach the mid-70s or 80s in the afternoon, depending on where you live. Dressing in layers is probably the best way to adjust to the changing temperatures.

Cotton should never be worn as a base layer. Use thermal underwear or something with a synthetic blend as your base layer. Comfortable riding attire should be worn on the top layer. Don't wear a hoodie, but rather a zip-up sweatshirt or shirt.

Leather attire is perfect for the fall. Leather motorcycle jackets or chaps can protect you from the wind and keep you more comfortable while riding. They usually also have removable liners.

You can wear riding boots with synthetic liners and wool socks. This combination will let your feet breathe in case they get warm.

It’s a good idea to wear a pair of synthetic glove liners underneath your leather biker gloves and pack fingerless leather gloves in a storage compartment. You'll be able to switch in the afternoon when you get too warm.

A raw, chilling rain can cause hypothermia quickly, especially if you're not wearing the best riding attire. Always pack your rain gear, just in case.

Switch to a Half- or Full-Visor Helmet

Cold air can be harsh on your eyes, so switch to a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.

Watch for Riding Hazards

Fallen leaves can be very slippery and cause accidents, and many deer are more active during autumn – especially during dawn and dusk. Keep your eyes out for any riding hazard so you have time to react.

Following these guidelines can help you make the most of the fall riding season.  For more information, visit our Motorcycle Safety Resource Center.

Attorney Edgar Snyder has over 45 years of experience helping injury victims. He founded Edgar Snyder & Associates, a Pennsylvania law firm that has represented hundreds of motorcyclists. Learn more at EdgarSnyder.com.

GREAT Ride to see Kid Rock!

by Rocky Marks

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson had kicked off the summer in Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary fashion with the 3rd Annual ride to see Toby Keith.  Since Kid Rock was part of Harley’s celebration in Milwaukee, what better way to wrap up the summer with one last ride out to First Niagra Pavilion to see the self-proclaimed “American Badass” himself.

Over 500 tickets were sold at the dealership in just a few short weeks and over 400 people showed up for the pre-tailgate party at Hot Metal on Saturday, September 7th!  The party included music, free food and refreshments, and a chance to go back stage at the venue.

During the party Hot Metal Owner, Toby O’Brien and General Manager, Lori Flanigan dished out the food while Rocky Marks played music to a crowd overflowing the parking lot with motorcycles, excitement, and anticipation of the hour-long journey to Burgettstown. 

At 4:30 the Allegheny Sheriff’s Department started leading the bikes out of Hot Metal’s parking lot bringing with them a trail of over 250 motorcycles!  The bikes and their passengers wound their way through the South Hills of Pittsburgh at leisurely, yet non-stop pace.  

Sirens wailed and lights flashed while cars halted as the riders were escorted through busy intersections.  The line of motorcycles gliding down the road two-by-two stretched for an impressive mile during the most of the ride according to the police.

Once out of Allegheny County, the Washington County Sheriff swept in front of the pack of motorcycles aided by Cecil, Smith, and Hanover Townships.  Cecil’s Volunteer Fire Department even placed a truck on the side of the road with it’s ladder stretched out over top the riders as a sign of respect and pride that comes with the gathering of so many free-spirited individuals who share a common love for riding.

The ride lasted about an hour and ended when the parade of motorcycles were escorted into the VIP parking lots.  The smiles, high fives, and general feeling of excitement was apparent as the riders dismounted their bikes and headed for the gates.  They were ready for the show.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson is already working with Live Nation and the First Niagra Pavilion on dates for next year’s rides.  You can go to hotmetalharley.com or faceboook.com/hotmetalharley to get a complete list of events and details as they become available.

Buying a Used Motorcycle? What You Need to Know

Written by Attorney Edgar Snyder of Edgar Snyder & Associates

Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that the expenses behind riding don’t stop after you buy a bike. Maintenance, insurance, and registration fees really add up, so for many, buying a used motorcycle can provide all the enjoyment that riding has to offer with a lower price tag. However, there’s a lot to consider when you’re buying a used bike, so here are some basic guidelines to help you make a responsible decision.

Before You Buy

o   First, know what type of bike you’re interested in buying—sport bike, cruiser, etc. If you’re new to riding, don’t buy a bike that’s too advanced, and don’t buy a beginner’s bike if you plan to use it for sporting purposes.

o   Set a realistic budget, and take into consideration potential repairs, maintenance, tax, registration fees, and insurance. Remember that the cheapest bike isn’t always the best deal, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. While you might not see anything wrong with the physical bike, there’s always a reason why it’s cheap—forged title papers, fees that come with expired registration, etc.

o   Consider bikes and sellers in your area first. If you buy locally, you’re more likely to know the reputation of the seller, and it’ll be easier to inspect and test ride a bike before you commit to it.

Inspection and Test Ride

o   If you’re going to inspect and test ride a bike, be prepared. Have a valid motorcycle endorsement and current motorcycle insurance policy—you don’t want to get stuck if you run into any problems. If this is your first bike, bring an experienced friend who can help you make a good decision.

o   Review the bike’s maintenance and repair records. A bike may run fine, but if it was in an accident, a faulty part may give you trouble down the road.

o   Pay close attention to the bike’s title. Check the list of previous owners and transfers, and make sure the current owner’s license matches the name on the title. Confirm that the vehicle year, model, and VIN number on the title match the motorcycle. If something on the title doesn’t seem right, walk away.

o   Ask that the seller doesn’t warm up the bike before you arrive. Starting a bike cold will clue you in to any issues that may be masked by a warmed bike, and it’ll also allow you to safely inspect parts of the bike that become too hot to handle.

o   If you’re considering a custom bike, use extra caution. Some custom features can affect drivability and safety.

o   Consult a professional to inspect the motorcycle. If the seller is honest and legitimate, they will allow a third-party professional to take a look at it.

After You Buy

o   Always obtain a bill of sale so that the chain of ownership remains clear.

o   Of course, remember to insure your motorcycle. If you can, include it under the same insurance policy as other vehicles and request “stacking,” which allows you to multiply the number of vehicles on your policy by the per person and per occurrence coverage on each vehicle. Thanks to stacking, these higher totals then become your new entitled coverage amounts. Also keep in mind that saving a few dollars on your premium now won’t help you in the case of an accident. I recommend having Bodily Injury Liability Coverage ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence), which pays for any claims against you if you’re legally responsible for the accident, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence), which protects you if the responsible driver cannot fully compensate you for your losses. In the terms of protecting your health and finances down the road, these are both relatively inexpensive.

o   If you buy the bike in your home state, you’ll need to register it. It’s easy enough—you complete the registration process and title transfer process with your local DMV.

o   If you buy the bike in another state, you’ll need to obtain a temporary registration from the state you’re buying in as well as registration from your home state in order to ride it home. Otherwise, you’ll need to find another way of transporting the bike, like towing it.

Remember, never hesitate to consult a motorcycle professional at any point—it could protect your time, money, and, most importantly, safety later on.

For more information, visit our Motorcycle Safety Resource Center.

Attorney Edgar Snyder has over 45 years of experience helping injury victims. He founded Edgar Snyder & Associates, a Pennsylvania law firm that has represented hundreds of motorcyclists. Learn more at EdgarSnyder.com.

NOT EVEN RAIN CAN STOP HOT METAL'S EVENTS!

by Rocky Marks

It was a dark and stormy night…. Well, maybe it wasn’t night, but it sure was dark and stormy start for the Annual Roll for a Cause Motorcycle Run to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.  This year the run was hosted by Parkhurst Dining, a division of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Inc.

This is one of South Western Pennsylvania’s most popular runs do the longevity of the ride and the partners including Hot Metal Harley-Davidson as well as Steel City Harley-Davidson.

On August 3^rd, the ride kicked off at 10:30AM after a 9:00AM Registration at Steel City.  The route was mainly composed of back-road country riding through the South Hills of Pittsburgh, eventually making its way to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson for the after-party ride.

Typically the ride boasts 150 to 200 riders, but because of the rain, that number was cut to 50 riders.  Additional would-be riders opted for their vehicles and showed up for the after-party picnic when the clouds parted and the sun started to dry the riders out.

The picnic included beer, food, entertainment, and of course Eatn’ Park Smiley Cookies.  A band and DJ were on-site to entertain the crowd with music, and several chefs were on-site serving up one of the most elaborate motorcycle run buffets courtesy of Parkhurst Dining.

The rain seemed to be the theme for many of our Activities at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson.  On Saturday, July 20^th, Hot Metal Harley-Davidson held our 2^nd Annual Custom Bike Show in the rain.  It rained last year for this event as well.  Nevertheless, a good time was had by everyone in attendance.

There were over 50 bikes on-site to look at and judge.  The categories included Sportster, Dyna, Softail, Softail Modified, Classic, Non Harley, Touring, Touring Modified, Best Paint, and Best of Show.  AJ Hadad, our Sales Manager who organized our show wanted to split the Softail and Touring categories between stock and modified “so that the casual rider without major frame and wheel alterations could compete and not feel like they had to spend $80,000 on their motorcycles.”

Despite the rainy start, once again, the clouds gave way to partly-cloudy skies with just enough time to hand out the awards and send almost everyone home with a smile on their face and a trophy on the mantle.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s next major event is on Saturday, September 21^st.  It’s our New Model Open House where we will be showing off and taking demo rides on the new 2014 motorcycles, playing music, and serving up a free buffet for anyone who is in attendance.  

Going back to remember the Toby Keith Ride!

Harley-Davidson and country music were both born in the United States.  Synonymous with hard work, craftsmanship and loyalty, fans of both came together at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson for a special benefit:  the dealership's  fifth annual ride to see headliner Toby Keith perform at the First Niagara Pavilion.   The tickets for this specific concert and Hot Metal's ride and party were available only at the dealership, several weeks prior to the event.  

Choice pavilion seat tickets in the “Hell Raiser Section” were sold for $35 each and $11 of each ticket price went to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Over 280 Hot Metal H-D VIP ticket packages were sold.

This was by far the largest turnout to date. On the day of the concert,  those 280-plus country music fans and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over southwestern Pennsylvania rolled in for the 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. tailgate party at Hot Metal H-D, where they enjoyed country music, prizes, food and refreshments, and a chance to win a backstage tour of First Niagara Pavilion.

Keith's 'Hammer Down Tour' with special guest Kip Moore began at  7 p.m. so once the tailgate party wound down at Hot Metal’s parking lot, all 280-plus Toby Keith fans mounted their bikes and enjoyed a leisurely hour-long police escorted ride over the winding back roads of the South Hills to the venue. The best part of the ride? Riders were able to keep moving, without any stops at intersections or for traffic because of the Allegheny County Police Department's and several other municipalities' assistance along the route. That procession of motorcycles, thanks to the accompanying police, was an awesome sight to behold.

When it came time to reach the front gate of First Niagara's parking lot, our riders were waived right in and ushered to a VIP parking area, designated specifically for motorcycles, while other concert-goers had to wait their turn at the gate. 

The three major television stations in Pittsburgh came out to cover the event at Hot Metal because of the size of the ride and the charity it supports.  For me, the day was a blur, but in the end, the event was all about the Ronald McDonald children, and the money we motorcyclists raised to help their families.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson is holding another police-escorted ride to the First Niagara Pavilion and tailgate party at the dealership for the Kid Rock, ZZ Top, and Uncle Kracker show on Saturday, September 7th.  The tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson Monday through Sunday.  More information can be found atwww.hotmetalharley.com.