wow that was close HSL, glad your OK, one question for you, did you need new shorts after?

With that high of a pucker factor....he's probably still looking for them.   

Glad it turned out okay, but it re-affirms my belief that deer are like a bolt of lightning: You can try to prepare for them, but you really can't avoid them.   

Do I think the current state of training to ride/drive and get your liscense is adequate-nope

To me, this statement is at the root of all the negative aspects involved in driving.  It is far too easy to get a license, and as a result the average driver/rider does not take anywhere near the responsibility they should when operating a vehicle.  I would like to see more rigorous driver/rider training and more stringent testing both to obtain and to keep a license.  Unfortunately, the amount of money involved to implement anything like that would make it prohibitive, not to mention the uproar from the general public if anyone were to suggest they might actually have to put some effort and responsibility into getting a license.

Had a huge one run out in front of me yesterday here in southern MN.  I had plenty of time to avoid it but it's still an eye-opener.  Deer (and other large critters) are far and away at the top of my Risk Chart for motorcycling.  I hit one in my truck once and realized that sometimes there is just nothing you can do to avoid them apart from not leaving the house.  At least bad drivers are somewhat predictable since you can plan on them being an idiot, but I equate deer with a bolt of lightning: You may have some idea that they're in the area, but where and when they strike is anyone's guess.  They are the sole reason I avoid riding at night, which I used to love to do.

I've known guys that split them in half then rode to a stop without going down, while my friend's father-in-law is currently trying to regain his short term memory and is lucky to be alive and others are even less fortunate.   Seems like the result of hitting a deer is as unpredictable as hitting them in the first place. I guess that besides the obvious (gear-up, extra caution in deer infested areas, practice panic stops) the only thing to do in the event of an unavoidable collision with a forest rat is let out a rebel yell and aim for the squishy parts.  As bad as it may be, a deer is still softer than a tree or the grill of a truck.


Boo Deer!  

Just passing along what seems like a good deal on some closeout priced gloves. 

Cortech / Tour Master Injector Gloves  $39.99

http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/gloves/cortech_by_tour_master/injector_motorcycle_gloves.html

Still had several colors and sizes available.  Don't have any direct experience with these gloves, but other Tour Master stuff I've seen/owned has been pretty decent.  I ordered a couple pairs (I like to stock up on gloves), so I'll try to give a review when I get them.

Definitely go to Lloyd or Kyle if you're nearby, but as a standing offer for anyone around Rochester who wants to change their own tires, with a little advance notice you can use my home setup - a cheap (but effective) Central Machinery stand with a No-Mar mount/demount bar.  You can even balance them on my handy-dandy static balancing rig.

No payment required, but I do accept tips in 6-pack form!  

** See re-introduction below **

I'm coming over from the Yahoo group.  I live down in Rochester and don't usually get the
chance to meet up for rides/bike nights, but I did meet a few of the folks at TWiSTAR last year, and on one or two other occasions.  Looking forward to making some more rides this year.

Thanks Ray for taking the time and effort to get this forum up and running!!  I think once most people give it a try, they'll prefer it over the Yahoo format.  Especially when they learn they can use smilies     and post photos.





Don't ask why it's a different color...