'Tis the season to ride the bike!

Ahh... I'm so happy that the motorcycling season has started. I really miss riding my bike during the winter months. I try from time to time when the roads are dry, but riding in 20°F weather is just not fun at all. No matter how much you bundle up! Right now, the two biggest issues are:

• Dirty (sandy) roads
• "Rusty" drivers that "forgot" about motorcyclists

If you're what we call a cager (car driver), please, keep an eye out for us! I know it's tough, but take a moment to look twice. I have to admit that even I get caught off guard sometimes while in the car. I have to keep reminding myself to spend an extra second to take another look. As a rider, I try really hard to make myself as visible as I can by shifting position so the guy in front of me and the guy trying to make a left turn can see me.

I also admit that not all of us are nice enough either. I wish we all were better at it. Just remember: car beats bike every time. We don't have airbags or crumple zones. Just a helmet and (some of us) leather gear to help with the abrasions.

The one thing that annoys me the most is the people behind me with what I call "severe intestinal problems" that are basically riding my tail, as I can make the guy in front of me move any quicker. What they don't understand is that I can brake significantly faster (and shorter) than they can, so if something goes bad, they would eventually make it worse. I try to turn back and give them a look from time to time (sometimes they don't even notice what they're doing), and some react accordingly. Others don't, and that's too bad. Enough ranting :)

If you're a New England rider and are looking for an online place to meet others, I can suggest the Monster board and the rider forums. The first one is mostly Ducati oriented, but everyone's pretty friendly.

If you're considering joining the growing segment of drivers riding, do yourself a huge favor and take proper training. Riding is loads of fun, but it puts you at a disadvantage against car drivers. I know in some states it is optional, but believe me, it is money very well spent. I did and it made me a more aware and hopefully a safer rider.

Another fun thing (if you like to try that kind if stuff) is a track day or a racing school. My lady and I did the beginner school course from Penguin racing in Loudon, NH. We had a fantastic time! I wasn't even close to the fastest guy in our class, but I wasn't the slowest either. I learned a lot of good cornering techniques as well as a better understanding of bike settings like suspension, braking, etc. We're actually considering doing it again this year.

I'm also lucky enough to attend a MotoGP race this year at IMS. I'm really looking forward to it. The atmosphere is always great (from what I hear) and the accessibility to the racers is supposed to be very good as well. I which I could go to Laguna Seca also, but that's asking a lot :) I'll post some pics when I return from the trip (Sept).

I guess that's what I like today.

Later,