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General Banter / Re: Now you can be a "Flagger"
« on: April 26, 2012, 06:33:11 PM »
Here I thought this was going to be a thread about corner working for the CRA.
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General Banter / Re: Now you can be a "Flagger"« on: April 26, 2012, 06:33:11 PM »
Here I thought this was going to be a thread about corner working for the CRA.
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Off Topic / Re: We Disagree, We Dislike, We Hate - We Behave Civilly« on: April 08, 2012, 11:48:53 AM »
I find the Karma system a little confusing. I mean I'm pretty sure that someone on this list
is very smitten with me, since I have gotten one "smite" for each post I have made since its inception. Yet the Karma system leaves me absolutely no way to know who my secret admirer is and why they find me so absolutely enthralling! When the system changed to being Debby'd or Brent'd, I started getting Brent'd for each post I make. But isn't being "Brent'd" synonymous with being invited on a 500-1000 mile day in the depth of the WI twisties by an entertaining goofball who actually waits at the turns? Is that supposed to be a bad thing? I'm so confused!!! Now if we change Karma to Batman and Robin, I'm assuming "Batman" is the preferred choice, but Robin is kind of cute too, and since they both wear their underwear on the outside, how are we to know which one is the better choice? And what about CatWoman or the Joker? How do they factor in? And can any one of them actually help me improve my cornering technique? Because that would be awesome!! Especially if they can do it while wearing a mask and cape! How about we just get back to RIDIN'?! Happy Easter, Y'all! ~ d 3
Introductions / Re: Hi, my name is Cam and I'm a motorcyclist.« on: April 05, 2012, 11:24:43 PM »
Welcome back, Cam! Nice pics. Though it seems you owe us a story.
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Off Topic / Re: We Disagree, We Dislike, We Hate - We Behave Civilly« on: April 05, 2012, 12:40:57 AM »
I think the intent is good but in order to provide meaningful feedback, it would need to be post specific.
As it stands, anyone who is so inclined could daily smite an individual. That individual would end up with lots of negative feedback, but it could solely be one person throwing the stats while everyone else opts out. It's false information. Someone dislikes me but I have no idea why. Hmm??? Not sure how that's helpful. OTOH if I posted something controversial and immediately got a dozen dislikes specific to my post, I might reconsider posting something of a similar nature in the future. 5
Safety and Riding Tips / Re: Normal Skills are normally enough....« on: April 04, 2012, 12:03:30 AM »
Some really good points, Vince. I didn't even think about the potential time lapse involved for a cruiser or Harley rider to get their foot to the brake or the potential of someone not to even use the front brake. Interesting thoughts to factor in.
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Safety and Riding Tips / Re: Rider Signals when Group Riding« on: April 03, 2012, 10:00:10 PM »
That WAS funny. As were the on-bike dance moves.
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Safety and Riding Tips / Re: Normal Skills are normally enough....« on: April 03, 2012, 09:36:52 PM »
It would seem to me that death from a lowside in this example was most likely caused by no helmet/lack of appropriate gear.
I've seen riders walk away from a lot worse at the track. How much skill does it take to strap on a helmet? I agree that the rider could easily have easily avoided this incident by scanning the road ahead, being aware of traffic patterns, slowing, planning an escape route, and using basic braking and swerving skills. "Normal skills" would have enabled the rider to simply keep on riding. Loss of life? How sad and unnecessary. 8
Safety and Riding Tips / Re: Rider Signals when Group Riding« on: April 03, 2012, 08:57:06 PM »
I remember wondering what the "I need to pee" signal was when riding my first 1,000 miler with all men. Fortunately at that point, Roger pulled off for a gas stop and I wasn't forced to get creative. Sure I could point at the gas tank, but what fun is that?
Signals I most commonly use are: --a foot kick for gravel or roadkill, pointing at the tank for needing gas, a thumbs up to acknowledge another rider's antics or yes in fact I did see that bald eagle/cow in the road/bird nearly take your head off, and my fav--the antlers signal (thumb to ear, fingers spread and waving) for bambi sightings. That one is purely for fun. I also will tap my brakes several times if I have to slow unexpectedly or there is a major hazard like a tractor in the road. Brake lights are the best warning signal out there in my opinion. If you ride with the same people long enough you develop your own "language" and I love that. I would hate headsets. I don't want anyone yakking at me when I'm riding. It would totally destroy the zen! ~ d 9
General Banter / Re: What make a ride more attractive for new riders« on: April 02, 2012, 11:41:52 PM »
The ice cream rides were good for newer riders as well. Short distances with ice cream interludes and socializing are much easier than riding the twisties all day. Not great routes usually, but hey--there's ice cream. Perhaps whoever plans the ride should be treated by those in attendance.
The sanctioned MSTA rides are also better than most for newer riders. There is a broad range of riding styles, and usually some folks taking it relatively easy. If the groups are large they are typically split into smaller groups, and a newer rider can ride at the rear or with a slower group for a more mellow pace. The early and late season rides such as the Rivers Ride and the Frosty Pumpkin tend to have more mellow paces due to road conditions. They also tend to have less riders because only the diehards go out when the weather is less than stellar. The best advice I have for a new rider would be to get out there and ride. Get some seat time under your belt. Find a mentor. Ask a friend to work with you on your skills or organize a smaller slower paced ride you can attend comfortably. Take a class. Do whatever works best for your learning style. No one can improve your riding skills but YOU. No one is responsible for your riding "happiness" but YOU. At times the tone of this board may seem judgmental or unwelcoming. Remember the frustration is mostly directed at folks that are riding UNSAFELY. Don't ride over your head. People would much rather wait for you than have to pick you up off the side of the road because you rode over your head to try to keep up. If you're on a ride and are uncomfortable or just not "feeling it" then let someone know and ditch. We all have off days and it's good to recognize when your head is just not in the game. Don't show up for a ride and expect anyone to modify their pace or their day to take care of your needs. Keep in mind that most people going on a ride are doing so for their own relaxation and entertainment. If you need someone to have your back or wait at the turns, then make sure you've made your own arrangements ahead of time. That's what friends are for. And don't forget to buy them lunch or fill their tank now and again. That is all. ~ d 10
General Banter / Re: What's It All About?« on: March 30, 2012, 10:35:30 PM »
Nice Copper Harbor pics, Denyse! Now THAT's what it's all about! Looks like my kind of trip.
Even though you're all drowned rats it's obvious you had a good time. And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that gets carried away with the camera. 11
General Banter / Re: Ray, I only have one thing to say« on: March 30, 2012, 09:20:45 PM »
Happy Birthday Ray! And THANK YOU for all you do for the MSTA.
I have met some incredible lifelong friends and mentors through this forum. The "old pharts" of this group (and you know who you are) have greatly enriched my riding experiences and my life. I could drone on endlessly about that topic, but I'll leave that for another post. Bottom line: Though we don't always take the time to say it, we do see and appreciate all you have done over the years for this group. Thank you!!! ~ d 12
General Banter / Re: What's It All About? (Let's see some pics, peeps!!!)« on: March 24, 2012, 09:05:46 AM »
Well, Vince--knowing you, you probably already know the answer to that question.
I did a lot of mixed surface riding on the DR650 over the last couple of years, and the power band on that bike is actually pretty decent for street riding. You're not going to be hitting triple digits, but you know the drill--there's great fun in riding a small bike hard. I'd say I got 6-7000 miles of mixed surface riding in on my knobs, which is better than I do on the R1, and a lot cheaper! BTW folks, this thread was intended to share the JOY of riding. I'd love to hear some humorous stories or memorable moments and see some pics. Pretty please? ~ d 13
General Banter / What's It All About?« on: March 23, 2012, 09:21:52 PM »
So PKPK and I went on a hookey ride last Friday. He on the ST, and me on the WR250r. That wasn't the plan, but the VFR's battery was dead and it was the only other bike I had ready to roll It was about a 500 miler, and by the end of the day I was bushed. I was pinning it all day long, trying to keep up with Paul, who was entertaining me with his antics, and in spite of multiple gas stops and not having quite enough power coming out of the curves, I still came home with a big grin on my face. Street riding on knobbies is a hoot. Nothing like tossing it into a curve...thud thud thud thud thud...And all I want is MORE! It was a great early season ride.
THAT is what riding is about to me. Pure joy. If you're not having fun anymore then change what you're doing. Find a new group or a new partner or ride solo. Take it to the track or take it to the dirt. Mix it up. Heck, ride the wrong ride for the job sometimes. And most of all, HAVE FUN out there! That is all. ~ d 14
Off Topic / Re: Shades of gray« on: March 19, 2012, 12:32:01 AM »
Interesting topic, Greg. My perspective is similar to nOOky's. A crime is a crime. You're not doing anyone any favors by hiding it. Knowledge of the crime makes you an accessory and you could end up criminally charged by not reporting. Therefore, the person has not only jeopardized their own well-being, they have jeopardized yours as well. Not OK.
To allow unhealthy and criminal behavior is to become an enabler. If you turn a blind eye, the person's behavior will most likely escalate. Criminally-minded folks are only going to be encouraged by not being caught. Their thinking becomes grandiose and their crimes get bigger, as does the ever-expanding hole they are digging for themselves. Do you want to help them dig a deeper hole? As a supervisor, I have learned that if I ignore a problem behavior of an employee, it will most likely get worse over time. It may even escalate to the point of the employee facing disciplinary action or being fired. I have come to realize that if I am not diligent in my own responsibility to correct and confront problem behaviors early on, I am actually doing those I supervise a disservice. The outcome of my trying to be understanding or overlooking warning signs, could actually be quite costly to the employee in the long run. I would argue the same applies here. Botom line: I would have a frank discussion with the person, give them some resources, and suggest they get some help. I would give them adequate time to call and turn themselves in, letting them know that I would be obligated to report the situation should they fail to do so within the allocated time. People will typically live up to the bar we set for them. Why set it so low? 15
General Banter / Re: Arkansas Report« on: September 23, 2011, 11:40:41 PM »
Tony--So sorry to hear about your injury. Sending positive thought your way and hoping for a quick recovery!
~ d |