Biker Dietitian

Friends versus Biker Friends

2011-02-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

I have added my own individual ones that I feel are warranted and appropriate.

Friends: Never ask for food
Biker Friends: Are the reason you have no food

Friends: Will say “hello”
Biker Friends: Will give you a big hug and a kiss

Friends: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
Biker Friends: Call your parents Mom and Dad

Friends: Have never seen you cry
Biker Friends: Cry with you

Friends: Eat at your dinner table and leave
Biker Friends: Will spend hours talking, laughing and just being together

Friends: Know a few things about you
Biker Friends: Could write a book with direct quotes

Friends: Knock on your door
Biker Friends: Walk right in and say I’m home!

Friends: Are for a while
Biker Friends: Are for life

Friends: Nod when they see you
Biker Friends: Wave at you every time they see you

Friends: Hear you are in jail and say, "Gosh that is too bad"
Biker Friends: Are sitting in jail with you, wondering where your ride is and say: "What a helluva of a ride!"

Friends: Prefer to take your dog with you in the car and can't understand why the dog sticks their head out the window while traveling 50 mph
Biker Friends: Sees the dog hang it's head out the window and appreciates why the dog does it and is envious because it isn't you.

I believe....

2010-12-19T00:18:00.002-05:00

I have paraphrased the words from a Harley Davidson video. These words ring 100% for me. I can't nor will elaborate more than what is here. I have take the liberty to add a couple of lines at the end that are my own that are in blue. You will find this video at this end of this blog. I am a biker and this is what I believe:

I believe in going my own way, no matter which way the rest of the world is going.
I believe in bucking the system that’s built to smash individuals as bugs on a windshield.
Some believe in the man upstairs. I believe in sticking it to the man down here.
I believe in the sky, and I don’t believe in the sunroof.
I believe in freedom.
I believe in dust, tumbleweeds, buffalo, mountain ranges and riding off into the sunset.
I believe in saddle bags and we believe that cowboys had it right.
I believe in refusing to knuckle under to anyone.
I believe in wearing black, because it doesn’t show any dirt or weakness.
I believe the world is going soft, and I'm not going along with it.
I believe in motor cycle rallies that last a week.
I believe in road side attractions, gas station hot dogs, and finding out what’s over the next hill.
I believe in rumbling engines, pistons the size of garbage cans, fuel tanks designed in 1936, freight-train size headlights, chrome and custom paint.
I believe in flames and skulls.
I believe life is what you make it, and we make it one hell of a ride.
I believe the machine you sit on can tell the world exactly where you stand.
I don’t care what everyone else believes.
I believe that everyone should accept others for who they are.
I believe others should not try to persuade others to change to promote conformity.
I believe that what you believe in is your right and what I believe it my right.
I believe no one should assume all believe or feel the same way.
I believe that cheering for the underdog is not wrong.
I believe in standing for what is right and not making compromises.
I believe that stereotyping and profiling is wrong.
I believe there is good in everyone.
I believe in doing something for another because it is the right thing to do, not to seek the glory for do it.
I believe everyone deserves another chance.
I believe trust is more valuable than gold.
I believe when I give my word it is as if I have gave my soul to make something happen.
I believe in doing something right and sticking with it until I have completed it 100%.
I believe in not gossiping.
I believe if I am preavy to gossip I go right to the person that the gossip is about to ask the validity of the story.
I believe if I have a problem with you, I come right to you so that we can work through it together.
I believe that truthfulness and honesty is the only true way to conduct yourself.
I believe a person must be proud of themselves, no matter who they are or what they do.
I believe a handshake seals a deal and is as good as a written contract.
I believe in respect as well as believing it is a two way street.

Reflections of Riding and What It Has Done For Me.

2010-11-22T21:27:00.000-05:00

I thought it was about time to open up the door and windows here, wipe away the dust, and resurrect this blog. I didn’t ride and write as much this past Spring, Summer, and early Autumn as I did last year. Does that make me any less of a Biker Dietitian? No, not at all. It pretty much means Life 101 got in the way. So, now with the Highway of this Life of mine slowing down a bit, I thought I would write about more of an insightful aspect of what riding means to me.

Sure, I have talked in the past where I got my love of riding. I got that from my dad. But I haven’t talked about the aspects of what riding means to me. This idea came to because of a passage from a book I am reading my new Kindle. The book is: “The Devil Knows How To Ride: The True Story Of William Clarke Quantrill And His Confederate Raiders” by Edward E. Leslie. I was drawn to this book because of where I am from – I am from Missouri, right in the heart of where Quantrill wreaked havoc. I have learned that Quantrill was probably one of my country’s first terrorists. Reading about all of his exploits, I have learned he was a man committed to his cause. Throughout this commitment, he was beyond lawless, living by his own set of rules, in between the law. It might have seemed as if he was out of control. It wasn’t that he was an uncontrolled terrorist; he was very much in control. He was fearless and confident. He was decisive and calculating at the same time.

For example – this quote from the book: “Quantrell speaking to Confederate Secretary of War James A. Seddon. When Seldon asked: ‘What would you do, Captain Quantrell, were yours the power and the opportunity?’ ‘Do, Mr. Secretary? Why I would wage such a war and have such a war wages by land and seas as to make surrender forever impossible. I would cover the armies of the Confederacy all over blood. I would invade. I would reward audacity. I would exterminate. I would break up foreign enlistments by indiscriminate massacre. I would win the independence of my people or I would find them graves.’ Seldon asked: ‘And our prisoners, what of them?’ Quantrell replied: ‘Nothing of them, there would be no prisoners. surrounded, I do not surrender; surprised, I do not give way to panic; outnumbered, I rely upon common sense and stubborn fighting; outlawed, I feel through it my power; hunted, I hunt my hunters in turn; hated and made blacker than a dozen devils, I add to hoofs the swiftness of a horse, and to my horned the terrors of a savage following.’”

While I would never go to the extremes as Quantrell describes. But this passage solidifies the characteristics of control, fearlessness, confidence, decisiveness, and calculating. I would hope that I would never be regarded as a terrorist, but I would like to be compared to Quantrell for the qualities he exhibits in this passage. My riding has helped me become fearless and confident as well as decisive and calculating at the same time. If nothing else, admiration and comparison of these qualities in Quantrell can be made to what riding has done for me.

Heat Safety Measures - Riding a Motorcycle or NOT

2010-09-01T20:35:00.001-04:00

The escalating temperatures can be a person's worst enemy in the summer. Whether you are walking or working outside or riding a motorcycle.

Whether you are on a motorcycle or not - you can or MUST take measures to protect yourself in the heat.

Body Automatic Thermostats
Your body has automatic "thermostats" to protect the core organs from heat stress, including sweating, vasodilation, increase in heart rate and reduction of blood pressure. Prevention measures are not put into place to keep core temperature within the redline, the body gives you warnings such as heat cramps, even more serious, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Sweating

Sweat glands to keep the skin damp. Evaporating sweat sucks heat from the skin, and transfers it to the air. Sweat is water and some electrolytes. It’s critical to keep hydrated. The body needs to about a pint of water every hour during hot, dry conditions. This rule of thumb is even more important for motorcyclists. At highway speeds, the sweat glands may not keep up with the evaporation causing dehydration with even more serious complications.

Vasodilatation
To help cool down the body, blood vessels enlarge to circulate more blood and body heat towards the skin. If ambient air temperature is lower than body temperature, excess heat can be absorbed by the air. But if the air gets hotter than the skin, the increased blood flow simply soaks up more heat from the air and pumps it back to the body.

Heart rate and blood pressure

The heart responds to increasing heat by increasing the heart rate to pump more blood into those enlarged blood vessels. As the air temperature rises, heart rate can increase 50% to 70% faster than the normal resting rate. The increased flow causes blood pressure to drop, and blood flow is shunted away from muscles and brain, towards the skin.

Symptoms of trouble
The human body won't take much of an increase in temperature without complaining. The symptoms of overheating are leg cramps, tired muscles, headaches, dizziness, and even fainting. The various symptoms are trying to tell you how overcooked you're getting.

The bottom line and your first line of defense is HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

My Bubble Has Been Busted...

2010-08-30T22:27:00.000-04:00

Got this comment on my blog about the award I supposedly received. This is from Alex Zorach, who did a little more research about this supposed award.

"This award seems harmless, even exciting and flattering. But it's part of a far-reaching scam that has targetted hundreds of blogs. After almost being duped by this, I dug deeper and found what's really going on here...I wrote about it on my tea blog (which recently received this "award"):

Awards & Search Engine Optimization

I'd greatly appreciate it if you took the time to read that post. Thanks!"

Here is link from Alex Zorach's Tea Blog regarding "Awards & Search Engine Optimization
http://cazort.blogspot.com/2010/08/awards-and-search-engine-optimization.html

In other words...I got suckered.....Son Of Bitches!!!! I am from Missouri - we have held onto grudges against Kansas since the Civil War. I will NOT forget, I won't be suckered again. Fool me once shame on me, Fool me twice shame on you.

Everywhere there are blogs - but Mine receives Top Blog Award?

2010-08-24T20:49:00.003-04:00

A blog is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.

Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic.

There are way over 100,000 blogs on the internet today and the numbers keep growing.

Today I received this email:

O.K, if you know anything about me, I am a huge skeptic, remember "I am from Missouri, you have GOT to show me." That means, I don't believe anything until I see it for myself. Remember you take the girl out of Missouri, but you can't take the Missouri out of the girl. That being said, I decided to start investigating this "Top Blog" award.

Here is the website description of the Top Blog Award

"XXXXX University proudly presents the Top Blog Awards, recognizing the top resources in a wide array of subjects for best representing the multitude of unique interests to be realized. Whether your interests lie in the savory delicacies of Italian cuisine, to exploring the abnormal paranormal, we have found those blogs that have excelled above and beyond the rest of their fellow blogs. Our aim is to provide the curious mind a source of information, and we hope that we have quenched your thirst for knowledge."

There is a School of Science and Technology and within this school there is a category of:

Top Motorcycle Blogs

OK, my blog is listed there. Not sure what it gets me, but it is nice to be recognized. I am quite surprised. Like many people I blog for the fun of it. I am a novice writer. My writing can be raw at times. I have written since I was in second grade. I have been published in professional publications, one time in a high school publication, and several articles in my junior college newspaper. I would love to raw a novel, but with my writing being so raw and unpolished, I am not sure if that will ever happen. Needless to say, "blogging" is a way for me to write.

Typically I am NOT a boaster - if you don't know that about me, just ask some of my friends, they will tell you. So with all of this being said, some of my friends are on this list with me - I recognized their blogs, I will accept this award and smile a little bigger this evening - even it is just a little somethin' somethin....

***Please refer to this posting:*** My Bubble Has Been Busted

Motorcycling and Protective Gear

2010-08-22T19:56:00.001-04:00

I just returned from a brief trip to the midwest for family issues. All motorcyclists stop and observe others on motorcycles. That is just the way it is - we want to see what you are riding, how you are riding, and how you are dressed. We aren't usually critical outwardly. When we see careless behaviors, we usually just shake our heads, make mental notes our observations, and mentally review the safety practices we have been taught.

The part of the midwest I was visiting is the heartland - flat, little twisties, little tree canopy covered roads, and often the route for many to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Sturgis is happening now. I saw many, many motorcycles - some two up riders, some single riders, some women riders, and a lot of men riders.

One unifying observation I was able to make about many, many motorcyclists I saw - they seemed to have forgotten basic motorcycle safety riding gear. I saw many in short pants, (even one woman rider hat hot pants one with a tube top on, yet she was wearing a helmet), sandals, flip-flop shoes, sleeveless shirts, shirtless, and even a bikini riding motorcycle female. I also discovered that the part of the midwest where I was there is a helmet law. So every rider wore a helmet.

I had to chuckle and thankfully say to myself "And they think that helmet is going to protect them from road rash on all that exposed skin, if they do go down."

When a motorcycle rider crashes their body, their skin makes contact with the pavement - often at a very fast velocity. Gravel and the road gets embedded in the exposed skin.

Many, many people who take Motorcycle Safety Basic Riding Couse. We are taught to be safe on a motorcycle, even down to what we wear.

These motorcyclists were taking an incredible risk and have forgotten the basic principles of safe motorcycle riding.
Please ride safe and remember to wear appropriate protective gear.

For The Love of Motorcycles

2010-04-11T13:02:00.006-04:00

Just around the corner from me there is a new galley that I didn't even know existed. It was established in conjunction with a vocational education center called The Lighthouse Voc-Ed-Center. The center is committed to quality education for all people with disabilities.

Their mission statement is: "We engage children and adults with hands-on integrated learning experiences incorporating personal choices and personal initiative as important elements in the learning process. We encourage independence, socially appropriate behavior without coercion, and problem solving skills through actual interaction with the community. All programs are individualized and student centered."

The announcement as it appeared in the local paper:
"You don't have to be shredding hog at a biker's pig roast to appreciate the artistic aspects of motorcycles. No less than Richard Thompson literally sings the praises of the Vincent Black Shadow, while Hunter S. Thompson wrote fondly about the motorcycles turned out by the Indian company in Springfield, Mass. Now, in a fun twist on gallery exhibitions, check out the exotic real deals in 'Local Motorcycles. Show opens Friday with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Gallery at Lighthouse Museum, 744 Long Hill Road, Groton. 'Local Motorcycles' runs through April 30. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; (860) 445-7626."

So out I went to find this new gallery. It was so small, I hadn't even noticed it. The description of the gallery on the web site: "The Gallery at Lighthouse, Groton Connecticut is a 450 sq ft store front located in the Groton Shopping Plaza. As an Art Gallery store front experience providing opportunities for community interaction, social and life skill development for our students; and a venue for their work and yours!"

With all of this, I had no idea what I would find there. I grabbed my Nikon D3000 camera and off I went. This was going to be an adventure. Since my camera had not shot any motorcycles, especially in a gallery, I knew this was going to be a challenge. I walked in, asked permission if I could take pictures and started shooting. There were only 6 or 7 motorcycles there. The chrome of the newer motorcycles almost over-shadowed the real jewels of the exhibit: 1917 Indian Powerplus, 1951 Norton International 30, 1936 Indian Chief, and 1943 BSA M29. These motorcycles were the percursors to the motorcycles of today. I focused on these motorcycles. The history behind these machines - 291 years of road experience between the four of them.

I had a challenge of how to take photographs of them. What do I focus on? How do I do this? I can definitely see that I need more experience in taking pictures of motorcycles. Who would have thought they would have their own rules of taking a good photograph of motorcycles? Who would have figured there had to be a set of certain techniques to capture decent photographs of motorcycles? This is my first attempt with my Nikon D3000. So if you would like you can view my album of my feeble first attempt of capturing machines that bikers like me find beautiful, historical, and the royality of what we ride today.

Here is my album: Motorcycles

Keep the rubber side down, ride safe, and enjoy the wind....

Is It Spring Yet?

2010-03-14T17:53:00.002-04:00

As a youngster in school, as far back as third grade, I can remember the teacher asking "What is your favorite season?" I was always the lone wolf, I always answered "Winter." Ever since I have been riding my own, my answer has changed. My least favorite season is Winter. Spring is just around the corner. It is getting time for me get on my two wheels to enjoy freedom as if I have wings. Being on two wheels - my ride - excites my loins and allows me to soar in the wind. The gray skies are subsiding, the bone chilling winds are slowing subsiding, the leaves will be turning green and the flowers will be blooming.

There are bikers who ride year round - either they have beautiful weather year round or they have appropriate riding gear to ride year round. I am the first to admit that I am a fair-weather rider. I am not ashamed to admit it, I accept it. There are those that might criticize me for being a fair-weather rider, but quite honestly if they want to exert the energy to criticize me, so be it.

In preparation of being on two wheels, there checklists of riders use - whether it is printed or mentally listed. People in vehicles have to go through some preparation for the change of season, however, travelling on two wheels require a little additional preparation. Additional preparation for traveling on two wheels is essential and conscienous riders take the time and effort to enjoy two-wheeled traveling.

Essential preparation range from the most common sense concepts to things others might not even think about. The most basic is to "Get Trained." Some people may think it is easy to jump on a motorcycle and go. Did you know that there are approximately 2500 skills required to operate a motorcycle? That’s five times more than driving a car. These skills can be learned and even sharpened through Basic RiderCourse (BRC) offtered through The Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Once you pass the course, the obvious next step is to get a license. I know people who ride without a license. I refuse to ride with these people. They are a liablity to themselves and everyone else on the road.

Simple, common sense approaches to preparation also include insurance. My son was surprised to hear I had insurance on my motorcycle. You see, he is accustomed to off-road four wheeling. I reassured him that I would not ride without insurance. Just like any other vehicle, a motorcycle should be insured. That is for the rider's protection and everyone else on the road. It is common sense, but there are people out there who do not have insurance - they are a hazard to everyone.

Additional preparation includes basic priniciples that everyone, even vehicle operators, should follow:

Be Rested
Take Breaks when you are riding
Stay Sober
Prepare your riding gear - boots, leathers, jeans, helmet, gloves, etc.
Check your ride to make sure it is mechanically safe to ride - proper air in tires, acceptable oil levels, brake and turn signal lights operational, brakes are operational
Know Your Bike - maintain familiarity with your motorcycle so that you know what you are riding and know your ride's abilities and limitations
Know the road and route
Expect the unexpected
Keep your senses keen so that you can anticipate situations.

For more information about the subjects and services noted in this article, please visit the following telephone numbers and weblinks, listed alphabetically:

• American Motorcyclist Association – (800) 262-5646, www.ama-cycle.org
• American Supercamp Riding Schools - (970) 674-9434, www.americansupercamp.com
• BMW Motorcycle Owners of America – (636) 394-7277, www.bmwmoa.org
• CruzTools - (888) 909-8665, www.cruztools.com
• Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School - (888) 672-7219, www.spencermotorcycles.com
• Gary Bailey's Motocross School – (276) 650-1759, www.garybailey.com
• Gold Wing Road Rider’s Association – (800) 843-9460, www.gwrra.org
• Harley-Davidson Owner’s Group – (800) 258-2464, www.hog.com
• Helmet House (Shoei, Tour Master, Cortech, Oxtar) - (818) 880-0000, http://helmethouse.com
• Honda Rider’s Club of America – (310) 783-2000, www.hrca.honda.com
• Keith Code’s California Superbike School - (323) 224-2734, www.superbikeschool.com
• MASA (Medical Air Services Association) - (866) 781-8162, www.medairservices.com
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation – (800) 446-9227, www.msf-usa.org
• Reg Pridmore's CLASS Riding School - (805) 933-9936, www.classrides.com
• Star Touring and Riding Association – (520) 572-8367, www.startouring.org
• T-CLOC inspection checklist - www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCSInspectionChecklist.pdf

sources include: "Motorcycle Spring Training: Top 10 Two-Wheel Tips" by Peter terHorst at http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?ID=1100377.

Wind Chill

2010-01-31T11:14:00.000-05:00

"Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
Come on, now,
I hear you're feeling down."
Many know these are lyrics from the song Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd

That song is relevant about this blog because I haven't posted here for a while. Why? Because I haven't ridden much because of the weather. I am the first to admit that I am a fair-weather biker, but if the conditions are right, I will brave the cold and get on two wheels. I don't like rain pelting me in the face, I have friends who find riding in the rain exhilarating. I don't like the ice and snow for riding conditions - that pretty much explains itself. And when the temperatures are less than 40 degrees it is cold on two wheels.

Yesterday I was driving to work and the temperature was 10 to 12 degrees standing still. That didn't't take into account the windchill factor. Co-workers I talk with, who do not ride, are surprised when I talk about how cold it really is when factoring in the windchill factor.

Let's face it, wind is like water - where there is a path, it will go. Wind is like fire - where there is fuel it will go. Wind flows, just like water, fire, and gas. In fact wind is the flow of gases on a large scale. Wind is powerful, so powerful enough it can be harnessed for power.    "If there wasn't any wind, there would be little or no day-to-day change in our weather. Wind is air moving horizontally. It is created by large scale differences in the air's density. This forces the air to move toward regions of lower pressure. If you stand with your back to the wind, an area of low pressure would be off to your left and the high pressure off to your right. The greater the differences in pressure, the stronger the wind." Source

Prior to getting back on two wheels, I never really paid attention to the weather, except to look out the window. If you will notice, just to the left, I have a section of links devoted just to weather. My most favorite is the link for my friend, meteorlogist, MARINE, and fellow biker - Gil Simmons. Gil has packed his website with anything and everything you want to know about the weather, even handy calculators.

It occurred to me yesterday I would revive my Biker Dietititian Riding Blog and write about Wind Chill. If you Google Wind Chill, you will find loads of resources, including charts and calculators. Wind Chill Chart. Many of us do not know how to calculate Wind Chill Factors. There is a formula to calculate wind chill factor. If you are so inclined,Wind Chill Formula. Luckily the National Weather Service has already developed a calculator for us, so we don't have to do the math: Wind Chill Calculator.    Here is another wind chill calculator that will allow you to enter temperatures greater than 40 degrees Fahrenheit: Will Chill Calculator

For example - if you are a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and you on a motorcycle traveling 60 miles per hour (that is the wind speed you will experience traveling that fast) it will feel like you are in a temperature of 24.7 degrees Fahrenheit. I usually just subtract 15 degrees from the temperature to know what it would feel like on a motorcycle.  Here is an entire weather page devoted to Weather Calculators.

Not Riding Right Now - What To Do? (And .......)

2009-12-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

it's my birthday....

Living in New England and still being a fair-weather rider, winter does not predispose opportunities for riding. With winter comes the holidays and my birthday.

I am not about to bemoan or complain - my mom has a tendency to do enough of that for me.

I am grateful for all that I have - a loving husband, a nice home, an adult son who is looking for his way in life with a clean mind and a strong fortitude.

I have discovered that the older I get, each birthday milestone I encounter, that it just another day. But, yes, there is a but....having a birthday so close to Christmas has not always been celebrated separately. When I was younger, I loathed that people who give me a Christmas gift and in the same breath say, "Oh this is your birthday gift as well." I always felt cheated.

I don't feel like that any longer. I don't need gifts to celebrate. I have a husband and son who accepts me for me. I am not the easiest person to like or love sometimes. I can let my alligator ass overload my hummingbird ass, then once I realize I have done it, I beat myself up endlesslessly.

The best birthday gift I have it having the husband, son, and majority of my family that accepts me and loves me for who I am. They know that like everyone else I am human, I will stumble, but they love me unconditionally, no matter what.

Like Lucille Ball said: "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." So my Bucket List according to Lucille Ball:

I know I live honestly - it don't pay to be dishonest. In my experience, the dishonest always seem to get caught
I have retrained myself to eat slowly - in boot camp (about 100 years ago) I only had 15 minutes to eat. Breaking that habit was difficult and yes there are times I have to remind myself.
Lie about my age? Well, I am 29 years old again this year. I will continue to be 29 years old until my son turns 29 years old - then I will be 39 years old.

In the mean time, I am going to live through Pablo Picasso's advice: "It takes a long time to grow young."

PGR (Patriot Guard Rider) Pride

2009-09-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

This was posted on the connecticut Patriot Guard Rider forum on 07 Sep 2009 4:56 PM by a friend and fellow Patriot Guard Rider - Steve Natale. I have been given permission to share his post here on my blog. Why? Well, what Steve shares here is what many Patriot Guard Riders experience and feel. Besides Steve's words are worth sharing and they include a touring report as well. Thank you my friend for allowing me to post this...Carol

Good evening fellow patriots...My name is Steve Natale I joined the PGR about 1 year ago. Because I still work full time I can only do weekend missions or when I am laid off or in between jobs.The pride and honor I felt participating in these missions would bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. They are truly heartwarming events.

Recently my wife and I took our vacation on our motorcycle and rode through Niagara Falls, continued through Canada to Michigan across a ferry to Wisconsin, north to Duluth ,up to Thunder bay, south to SLT. ST. Marie, east to North Bay, on to Ottawa, south to up-state New York through Vermont and back to Connecticut.

I had the PGR (Patriot Guard Rider) flag on the rear of my bike and the PGR banner across the windshield. In EVERY SINGLE state or Province I passed through I was approached by someone {a soldier, soldiers wife, a vet. children, or just a curious citizen} and either asked what the PGR was or thanked for being a part of it.

I was approached in a rest area in Wisconsin by a lady and her vet husband who had just returned from active duty. She could not thank me enough [nor I him] for the pride the PGR had given her and her family when her husband was away fighting for his country. We ended up sharing tears and then she meekly asked if she could take a picture with us and her family.

The people who stopped what they were doing to come over and shake my hand and say thank you was overwhelming. I even believe the PGR flag I had on my bike was the reason the RCMP (Royal Candian Mounted Police) let me go with a warning when he clocked me at 118 kmph (about 73 mph).

I talked with a Canadian vet for about 30 min. in Thunder Bay. He had just returned from active duty and had lost a leg to a roadside bomb, and he was thanking me [go figure that one out]. Any way after sharing tears and shakes and thanks he left me with a God bless and well wishes.The stories just go on and on.

We stopped for a bite in Tupper Lake up in upstate New York. we are sitting at a picnic table outside a rest area when a lady and her husband come over {after stareing for ten min.] and asked what is a Patroit Guard Rider? I begin telling her the intent and purpose of the PGR and he starts telling me about his expierences after coming home from Vietmam. I apoligized for that era and told him how the PGR is changing those feelings and hope they never happen again. After a very nice discussion they thanked us and went to their car. About two minutes later he returned with a $20. dollar bill and asked me to donate this to the PGR. Now you could tell this money was not easily made because of the car they were driving and the clothes they were wearing. They looked in need themselves yet were willing to give to the cause. I politely refused their money and told them to go to the PGR site and donate it there and learn more about the PGR.

My wife and I continued on with much pride and thanks for being such a small part of such a huge spreading cause . The stories do not stop there ...they continue and will be shared and treasured along the way. I would just like to thank you for the honor and pride that I have been very fortunate enough to be a part of. Also for the time and effort that you and your staff put into each and every mission. I will continue to do my small part and will continue to participate as time allows..I will NEVER forget the feelings I get by the simple gesture of standing still and holding an American flag.

My father was in the 8th bomb group of the Army Air Corp. I wish he was here so that he could share in the pride and honor of being an American vet, but then again he is. I wear his medals and pins on my vest at every mission I attend. May GOD bless you and guide you until your final mission . With unwavering respect, Stephen Natale

(o)(o) [Boob] Shots

2009-09-15T20:05:00.000-04:00

I am behind on my touring blogs. I know, no excuses...but I am behind.

Today I was talking with some friends on twitter. In our conversation, I was reminded of this fun and funny incident that happened to me about a year ago 9/2008. I told them I would rebroadcast this blog I had written it somewhere else.

Many may know that I recently installed a Memphis Shade Shield on my OZ (my Harley). One thing that I noticed is that the wind whips around and up under my shirt. Because of this, I had started tucking my tee-shirts into my jeans.

One day this past week, I forgot about tucking. I was south traveling on I-95 and all of a sudden I felt drafts where I never expected to feel them. I looked down and my tee-shirt was practically up around my neck! I was laughing so hard as I was trying to pull my shirt down.

With 38DD's I am far from flat chested. I looked up and around. There was semi-tractor trailers around me. I had noticed that prior to me discovering my tee-shirt had become a necklace, all of the trucks were showing brake lights, truckers blowing their horns, thumbs up out the window.

Duh, I put two and two together - they were all gawking at me! It was funny. What was even funnier - once they discovered I figured out what was going on...there were thumbs up and horns being blown all over the place!

I guess I made these guys day while I got a good laugh! What fun!

Open Letter to Secretary of Department of Transportation

2009-08-23T09:21:00.000-04:00

Please preview these articles and view video before rading further:

Sun Sentinel http://bit.ly/zb6OK Texting while driving PSA: your message has been sent

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Motorcyclist+recounts+dragging+by+car&articleId=e1f95a56-c68d-4de4-8229-a284870fdbf3"

Distracted Drivers - The Dangers of Multitasking Behind the Wheel. The New York Times: http://bit.ly/198mzS

DWI: Driving While Intexticated http://bit.ly/16cwws

(Published with permission given by Bruce Arnold Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com Author and Publisher, LdrLongDistanceRider.com)

"23 August 2009
The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary,
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000 (tel)
202-366-2191 (fax)

Ray.LaHood@dot.gov; ritainfo@dot.gov; dot.comments@ost.dot.gov (email)
Ref: USDOT Distracted Driving Summit, 09/30/09-10/01/09
URL: http://www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit/

Dear Mr. Secretary:
Distracted driving is turning our nation's roadways into killing corridors, and it is time for "Pay Attention or Pay the Price" to become more than a hollow slogan.

If we are to stop the slaughter...AMERICAN MOTORISTS WHO ENGAGE IN DISCRETIONARY DISTRACTIONS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE HARM THEY CAUSE.--

By "American motorists", I mean (a) all who share our roads via two wheels, four or more; and (b) regardless of age, experience, license class, nationality or other arbitrary distinction.

By "discretionary distractions", I mean all activities in which a motorist might elect to engage that are known or might reasonably be expected to impair or detract from their ability to drive safely, including but not limited to cell phone conversations or texting, grooming or applying cosmetics, and eating behind the wheel.

By "held accountable for the harm they cause", I mean more than being ticketed for failure-to-yield every time they turn left without looking and murder a motorcyclist. I mean being required to pay restitution for the loss, damage or injury caused by their election not to pay attention. And I mean taking away their license and their freedom when their decision to drive distracted results in the injury or death of innocent people. Legally banning the distractions would likely work about as well and last about as long as Prohibition. And laws that penalize only teens or truckers for texting, or prohibit only cell phone conversations via hand-held devices, are "feel good" half-measures difficult to enforce and easy to ignore.

It is not so difficult, however, to determine if a driver causing an accident was texting, talking on a cell phone, eating a cheeseburger or painting their nails at the point of impact. And if the penalties for causing an accident while engaging in discretionary distractions are severe, they are not likely to be ignored.And what should those penalties be? Any Internet search engine will provide you with numerous references to studies indicating that driving while distracted is just as dangerous, if not more so, than driving while impaired from alcohol or drugs. And since driving while distracted and driving while impaired are both discretionary activities with equivalent social costs, should they not carry equivalent legal penalties? Severe DUI/DWI penalties have not eliminated drunk driving, of course.

But according to MADD.org, since 1980 alcohol-related traffic fatalities have decreased nearly 50 percent. That is largely due to the deterrent effect of significantly increasing the penalities associated with causing an accident while driving drunk, coupled with an impactive barrage of related PSAs. Mounting a similar campaign against distracted driving, it seems, would yield similar results.I ask that you please forward this letter to all the participants in your upcoming Distracted Driving Summit.Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,

Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Author and Publisher, LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Co-Moderator, Bruce-n-RC's Biker Forum
Mile Eater Gold Member, Iron Butt Association (IBA) Sustaining Member,
Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
2009 Chairman's Circle,
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
1521 Alton Road No. 262 .
Miami Beach FL 33139 .
786-326-8079"

Breaking The Limit - Part 2

2009-08-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

...continued from Breaking The Limit - Part 1)

(Part 2 of a 2 part touring blog)
As I was awaiting the arrival of my friend, Dave, I was walking around a bit, stretching, and surveying the area. The first picture is where I was and the second picture is what I saw. And yes, there just happen to be Harley Davidson dealer across the street.

When I was parked in the parking lot, I was parked right in front of the red truck.

Dave rolled into the lot, I could feel the huge smile on my face, he knew I was so pleased with myself. He was smiling right back because he knew exactly what the ride meant to me.We greeted each other and he shared in my excitement in accomplishing my ride. Where to go next? Well, I was starving, I didn't get to eat breakfast because I was excited in leaving that early. We went to a Dunkin Donuts that practically across the street.
I am a lover to Dunkin Donuts, but I have to tell ya, this coffee and the donuts tasted sweeter than usual. As we drank coffee and ate our donuts, we talked about my ride and the plans for the day. Of course we also checked in with his wife, Terry, who we were going to meet for lunch. It was an unspoken agreement that I would be the follower, he asked if I wanted to ride the highway or the back roads. That was no contest, gimme the back roads any time. In all honesty I didn't care where we were heading, I trust my friend, Dave implicitly, I knew he would get us where we were supposed to be at the right time.

We took off on Willow Street and headed towards U.S. Route 3 (also known as New Hampshire Route 28) . Route 3 is also known as Daniel Webster Highway as well as Hookett Road. The highway is named after 19th century statesman Daniel Webster, a New Hampshire native. We were traveling on Route 3. We passed Livingston Park which is the home for Dorrs Pond. Continuing on, I was relaxing, but still could feel the adrenalin pumping in my veins. We passed over a small tributary of Heads Pond. Heads Pond is a reservoir in Merrimack County in the state of New Hampshire. New Hampshire has many notable fishing areas. Heads Pond is one of them. This is beautiful shot of Heads Pond, remember we only passed over a small tributary. As we travelled, I knew we were heading onto to Concord, that is where Terry works. We were scheduled to meet Terry, and two other friends - Mary and Rick. I met Mary and Rick in December, both of them are from the Midwest. At that time Rick had already relocated to New Hampshire, Mary was scheduled to join him in June. With the relocation finalized, this was the first time I had seen both of them since December. Terry, Mary, and Rick all work together. They all ride as well and could understand my excitement and pride in accomplishing my trip. My mind was wondering a bit, relishing where I was, when all of a sudden, I realized we were pulling into Heritage Harley Davidson. After buying a tee-shirt (of course) , we were off to lunch. Dave touched base with Terry and the destination was confirmed. We were heading to Beef Side Restaurant (this is a photograph from the Internet, unfortunately, I forgot to snap a picture AND it doesn't depict the open air dining that can't really be seen clearly from the road).

After lunch, Terry, Rick, and Mary headed back to work, where Dave and I headed to his home in Belmont, NHInitially incorporated in 1727 as a part of the nearby Town of Gilmanton, Belmont was separated by an act of the Legislature in 1859 and adopted the name, Belmont, in 1869. It was home to William Badger who served as NH Governor for two consecutive terms beginning in 1834.There are thirty square miles of land area, and over one and one-half square miles of lake area in Belmont. The current population is 6,228, although the seasonal influx of temporary residents in both the summer and winter recreational seasons greatly increases that number. Source. (Dave and Terry's house is "L" on the bigger GOOGLE map). We got to his house. Dave had agreed to adjust my right highway peg. I sat for a bit to catch my breath and relax. After we socialized and talked a bit, I rode with Dave along a small part of Lake Winnisquam which is smaller part of Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake is primarily fed by the outlet from Lake Winnipesaukee, and Winnisquam's outlet is the Winnipesaukee River, flowing to the Merrimack River. After running errands and a little more riding, it was growing ever closer to my departure time. Dave lead me to the entrance of I-93. I waved good bye and I was on my way.

Things were going well, I had to get through a toll road, but the area with the toll roads have confused me in the past and wouldn't you know it, the same thing happened again. I missed my exit and ended up on Bedford, NH. I knew I was off track, but I decided to take advantage of the architectural beauties surrounding me. The simplicity of New England architecture is so difficult to replicate. Here are some of the houses I was riding by:

I back tracked, making it to Nashua, NH. Still no I-495, which is what I was looking for when I got lost. Finally I found a fire station in Chelmsford, NH. With a little coaching I finally made it back to I-495. I decided to get fuel, I got off a Boxboro to fill up. After a quick refuel, I was off again. Traveling along with no problem, all of a sudden I saw

I knew these signs were my least favorite signs to see on 2-wheels. I kept remembering advice that an experienced rider told me: "Keep the throttle steady and don't give into the grooves." Keeping this in mind, I continued on. I thought, well, I can get through this.

Then all of a sudden I was experiencing more challenges. The areas of the overpass bridges were not grooved, but there was raised payment on and off many of the overpass bridges on 495. As I continued I saw the entrance signs to I-290. I was skeptical that the grooved payment was going to end on I-290. This highway, much like I-495 seems to be always under construction. On I-290 not only did the grooved payment continue, but the raised payment on and off the overpass bridges seemed to get higher. There had to be at least one time that I took flight with my ride.

Finally, almost at the end of I-290, the grooved pavement ended. I tried to relax. My legs were cramping. Because of the hazards I had been experiencing in road construction my legs were tense and cramping. I tried every position I could, I used highway pegs, I stretched each leg one at a time. No positive results. I reached I-395 and made it to Webster, MA. I got off for a dinner and try to get my legs to relax. It wasn't the most sophisticated, but I decided to eat at Burger King. I am always checking my terrain. I pulled into the parking lot and I noticed there was a dip in the parking area. I had second thoughts about parking there, but I decided I would fair well out of it. I did not back into the space and usually I do. I have tried to annotate the incline of the parking area with an arrow on the picture. After I was done eating, I went out, got on my ride and started to head home. My legs were relaxed, but they were tired. I discovered I couldn't really back out, the strength in them were diminished. I looked behind me, I saw these young men talking around a pick up. I asked them to pull me out so I could get going. They agreed, they grabbed my sissy bar and I pushed with my legs. I have a feeling they did most of the work. Thankfully it was a team effort and I got past the difficult part. I thanked them profusely and was on my way.

Getting back to I-395 was easy. I knew it was a straight shot practically to get home. I was relaxed more, but I was growing tired. Finally I got off I-395 and headed up Route 12. I was tired and the last 5 miles seemed like an eternity. I got to the intersection of Route 12 and Crystal Lake Road - the intersection where the Naval Submarine Base was on my right and the beginning of Navy Housing on my left. The light turned red just as I was approaching. I thought, oh I am home free....I am almost home. I put my left foot down and then my right. My right leg was the more tired. I had no idea of how tired it was. As soon as I put my right foot down, I lost my footing and I dropped my bike. Hell, I was a stop light, I didn't have my forks turned and I dropped the S.O.B. I was embarrassed, tired, and angry - all rolled into one. A gentleman was nice enough to get out of his truck to help me pick up my OZ. I did a walk around - no damage to the bike - my OZ, the only damage was my pride. I got all situated and I was off. Within 10 minutes I was home parking in the garage. I looked at the odometer - 403.6 miles for the day. Although I experienced some challenges, I had in fact broken my long ride cherry. It was 8:30 at night. I was tired. I crawled into bed and was out within 15 minutes of my head hitting the pillow. I know I was tired, but I had an enormous sense of accomplishment and was full of pride that I did it. This ride was more about endurance, accomplishment, and making it through my first long ride. There was less touring, but all in all it was a rewarding as well as excellant learning experiencing. Many people asked me if I rode with anyone. The simple answer is, nope, I did this alone. That in itself made me even stronger.

Trip map - please be patient with it loading.
http://bit.ly/b0umI

Breaking The Limit - Part 1

2009-08-11T17:55:00.000-04:00

(Part 1 of a 2 part touring blog...Part 2 will be published in a few days...)

Working in health care, every now and again, I have to work the weekend. It has been like this ever since I started working in health care. I am fortunate that with my current position I only have to work one day of the weekend infrequently on a rotating basis. My turn had arrived. I was scheduled to work July 18, 2009. In compensation I can take another off during the week.

Through the beauty of the Internet, like many of us, I have friends in New Hampshire that are motorcyclists also. My friend, Dave, is a radiology technician. Him and his wife, Terry, live in Belmont, NH - which is a neighboring town of Laconia. I have plans to go to Bike Week in Laconia, 2010. Dave has Wednesday's off.

Everything was tenuous until I got the green light for the weather from my favorite meteorologist - Gil Simmons. Gil gave me the "weather green-light." [In fact we follow each other on twitter; (@carolcasey and @gilsimmons). Through the entire road trip he was tweeting me weather updates as I tweeted my progress].

That cinched the decision. I was going to use this opportunity to to make my first long trip on two wheels. Living in Connecticut, tentatively the trip would be about 375 miles round trip. I had my trip all planned. Since my last trip, I have decided to use the motorcycle map tank bag I had purchased in the past.

I put my directions in, curiously wondered if the magnets were strong enough to hold the bag on.

Being the optimist it would work I was off and by 6:30 AM on I was on the road. This time, though, reality won. I wasn't on the interstate more than 15 miles and the bag was getting ready to fly off. The magnets weren't as strong as I had thought. I pulled over, wondering what was I going to do. I had learned early on to always carry bungee cords with me. So, I could see that I could security wrap a bungee cord around my tank and that should do the trick. This is what I ended up with:

That did it, I would have move it to fill up with fuel, but at least I had my map and it wasn't going to blow off. (For those people who have lots of riding experience, practically everything I do is a learning experience for me. Apparently there are better types of map bags out there, but this wasn't one of them).

Heading out, I made my way to Interstate 395.
Interstate 395 (abbreviated I-395) is a 67-mile-long north-south Interstate Highway that begins at Interstate 95 in Connecticut and in Massachusetts, where it becomes Interstate 290. Travelling this early in the morning and mid week, the traffic was light. However, this stretch of 395 is not aways a heavily travelled area. Continuing on my route, at last I reached 290 and knew I was well on my way. Excitement rose, and interestingly enough I discovered my motorcycle was growing some what illiterate with little regard for post speed limits. Of course, I had to continually remind my ride - OZ - that I was the one in control, not him so I backed off the throttle - at least a little bit.

I was hitting Worcester at some peak morning traffic. On a side note, frequently Worcester is pronounced incorrectly by out of area people. This is a dead giveaway someone is from our of state or for that matter out of the area. The proper pronunciation of the name, Worcester. Worcester is pronounced WOOSTAH or WUSTER not War-chester. Part of Worcester includes Lake Quinsigamond. The Pakachoag tribe of the Nipmuc nation of Native Americans were the indigenous settlers of the area. They called it Quinsigamond, meaning "fishing place for pickerel." Lake Quinsigamond provided fine hunting and fishing grounds a short distance from their main village near a spring on Pakachoag Hill in what is now Auburn.

Passing through Worcester successfully, I reached the end of 290 and onto I-495.

I have a fuel indicator on my odometer. However, I also how many miles I before I start looking for fuel. After reach I-495, I decided to stop for fuel in Hudson, Massachusetts at exit 11A Hudson is a former mill town that is now the home to several manufacturing companies. It is quaint and another "New England-esque" town. I found this video and many of the scenes in it, I was able to see when made a quick tour around town. Hudson, MA video clip. After fuel, quick break, and once around town tour, I was off on my trek again.

The deal was I was suppose to call my friend Dave when I was about one hour out from Manchester, he lives in Belmont - about that distance away. I reach I-93. I could taste my destination, I have been this route many times by car. I couldn't really call Dave when I was about one hour out, the soonest I could get in touch with him was around Methune, Massachusetts. I saw a place that I could safely pull over, I sent him a text, and I got back on the road. Shortly after this, I saw it...my Welcome Sign - which was more like a a Mission Accomplished Sign. I was actually doing this...I was busting my long ride cherry...My heart was racing, I knew I was smiling from ear to ear. This was a huge event for me. I could not wait to get to my destination and meet Dave. I WAS DOING THIS! I WAS ELATED! I can not express my excitement and my sense of accomplishment that was spilling over me.

Thirty minutes and about thirty miles, I made it at our rendezvous - Quirk's Chevrolet:

I pulled in, parked practically in the center of the parking lot so I would be seen, shut the engine off, got off my ride and proceeding to do the Snoopy Happy Dance:
I arrived at precisely 9:30 AM. After shutting down and stretching, I started tweeting, I wanted to share my excitement with all my friends who had been so encouraging.

Tweet-transcript:
"Well, have definitely surprised me! Sitting @ Quirk Chevrolet on S. Willow St, in Manchester, NH. Awaiting my friends arrival. I f@@kin ..."
No rain! I am doing the happy dance! I F@@KING ride my own! BOOYAH! BOOYAH! BOOYAH! BOOYAH! BOOYAH! http://myloc.me/cFEn
9:36 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter
@peterfrancon that is I have this 8900 bbry wired for connection baby! http://myloc.me/cFIX
9:40 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to peterfrancon
@SmoothBiker Muwah from Manchester, NH http://myloc.me/cFNW
9:46 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to SmoothBiker
@peterfrancon the wired part is a recommendation of @corry01. http://myloc.me/cFP2
9:46 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to peterfrancon
@SmoothBiker if it weren't for my face field I would have bugs in my teeth cause I am grinning from ear to ear! http://myloc.me/cFQy
9:48 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to SmoothBiker
I need to be tied to my ride I am so pleased I am floating on air. http://myloc.me/cFSI
9:50 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter
For someone who has only been riding since 4/08 this sense of accomplishment and satisfication is beyond words! http://myloc.me/cFWm
9:53 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter
@SmoothBiker I am ecstatic! I was always my dad's backrest! I am sure he grinning from ear to ear! http://myloc.me/cFYP
9:56 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to SmoothBiker
@sportster_rich I love my OZ, we just clicked 5K on the odometer. With my mustang seat, riding him is almost like the best sex. AWESOME!
9:58 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to sportster_rich
@quelli24 the map notes where I am Tweeting from. http://myloc.me/cG1p
9:58 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to quelli24
@BrianBarghout hear ya and completely understand! http://myloc.me/cG2Y
10:00 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to BrianBarghout
@quelli24 I hear ya and completely understand. http://myloc.me/cG4S
10:01 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to quelli24
Have learned that my ride doesn't know how to read speed limit signs. :-D http://myloc.me/cG6Z
10:03 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter
"@quelli24 got my full license 5/08. Learners permit and basic riding course 1st. http://myloc.me/cGbZ
10:08 AM Jul 22nd from UberTwitter in reply to quelli24"

I am not sure if these transcript accurately portrays how excited I was to have arrived and actually reached my destination. As I was in the parking lot of the car dealer, I kept wondering if the salespeople were going to approach me, like they do at every other car lot. But then again, as they saw me doing my happy dance, they probably thought I was some loon, having second thoughts of approaching me, and left me alone.

Trip map - please be patient with it loading.

http://bit.ly/b0umI

American Motorcyclist Association Position on Distracted and Inattentive Vehicle Operation

2009-08-09T12:46:00.000-04:00

Aug. 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: PeterHorst
Phone: (877) 877-8969
E-mail: pterhorst@ama-cycle.org

American Motorcyclist Association Adopts Position Statement On Distracted and Inattentive Vehicle Operation

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reportsthat the Association's Board of Directors adopted an official position onthe issue of distracted driving and inattentive vehicle operation at theBoard's July 27 meeting.

"Distracted or inattentive driving has become a major concern to themotorcycling community," said AMA Vice President of Government Relations EdMoreland. "Far too many cases have been documented of motorcyclists beinginjured or killed as the result of other vehicle operators being distractedor inattentive."

As part of its official statement, the AMA supports legislation thatincludes enhanced penalty options for distracted and inattentive vehicleoperation to be determined by the courts. Additionally, the AMA supports theprominent placement of signage that notifies roadway users that the stateprovides specific sanctions for those convicted of moving violations whileoperating a motor vehicle in a distracted or inattentive manner.

Moreland added that the AMA's official statement recognizes that all roadusers -- car drivers, truck drivers, motorcyclists and even bicyclists --are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles on public roads andhighways. In addition to posing a hazard to other road users andpedestrians, distracted vehicle operation can be every bit as dangerous tothe operator.

The issue has become even more important in recent years as advances inmobile technology have made it easier than ever to become momentarilydistracted by operating the controls of a cell phone, stereo system, aglobal positioning unit, or some other device."We've also seen an increase in new state-level legislation designed toaddress some facet of distracted or inattentive driving," Moreland said."Most of the bills are well-intentioned. However, almost all focus on onlyone or a few in-vehicle behaviors, such as talking on a cell phone or textmessaging, rather than addressing the main issue. This new positionstatement gives our staff the guidance it needs to help shape futurelegislation for the benefit of all road users, particularly motorcyclists.

"The full position statement on distracted and inattentive vehicle operation,along with position statements on other issues important to motorcyclists,can be found on the AMA website at AMA Position Statement on Distracted and Inattentive Vehicle Operation

About the American Motorcyclist AssociationSince 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promotedthe motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and theynavigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination:freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling organization, theAMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state andfederal government, the committees of international governing organizations,and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters andpartners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcyclerecreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA membersreceive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers ofmotorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel staysand more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves theheritage of motorcycling for future generations.

207 mi – 3 states: CT, RI, & MA

2009-07-26T19:17:00.001-04:00

With a ride with others canceled, I knew it was time to take the ride I had been thinking about for some time. With all of the rain New England had been getting, practically every night I sat looking at road maps. I studied the roads and geography of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The day had come. I was going to travel to three states and back.

Starting out, I knew the general direction I was heading, but I have a tendency to be too detailed. I had my newly installed compass. I needed directions. I wanted to stay on as many back roads as possible - avoiding as much of the interstate as possible. With printed directions in hand, I got dressed, and was on the road. I had my compass and my printed directions. Being the optimist, I forgot that more often than not New England back roads are not always clearly marked. It didn't matter, I had all day. The sun was out, it was optimal riding weather. Much of the beginning part of my ride was on familiar roads, once I got into the North Stonington area, I was well into my excursion. There are many aspects I find amazing about rural New England. But one of them are the stone walls. There are many, many types and kinds - no one is ever like the next. "Pick virtually any two places on a map, drive from one to the other on the back roads, and along the way you'll see miles upon miles of stone walls. If you know how to read them, those walls tell something of the commercial and cultural story of each area you pass through: a long, winding, wordless record of the region stretching back to the 17th century. The walls...trace a timeline that runs from the rudimentary agrarianism of the mid-1600's through the whaling era of the 1700's to the gilded age of the late 1800's. ...Stonington, a town that was settled in 1649 and where historical reminders abound, from the prevalent Colonial-style architecture to the narrow streets of its cozy waterfront borough. Though known primarily as a former whaling port, the town also developed a commercial center inland along the Pequot Trail, an Indian trading route that extended into Rhode Island. The agricultural land that once dominated this area gave rise to Stonington's stone walls, the earliest of which were linear landfills, collection areas for the stones the first white farmers cleared from the fields." reference

As I traveled, it wasn't as if the area was completely unfamiliar, I even rode very close to my favorite ice cream stop. The lure was strong to stop, but I had a destination at hand and determination was pulsing through my veins. I wanted to increase my riding experiences. Knowing myself, sometimes I have a tendency to get lazy. Sure traveling by car is easy, riding the couch is even easier. But then I would not have the sensual and visceral experiences those to be reaped from two-wheeled travel. Besides couch riding does not....GREAT DRY CLEANING OF THE BRAIN - Wind Therapy - nuthin' like it!

So many small towns and communities, I could not stop at every single one of them to take pictures - this would have resulted in my not returning home for days.

As I passed through Sterling, Connecticut, it had always been a place I saw noted on the highway signs, but not actually gotten to pass through. Sterling is a typical small community with manufacturing as it founding feature.

Of course with my affinity to the appreciation of architecture, there was little likelihood I could pass the opportunity to snap pictures. I view architecture as a history book. I look at buildings longing for the walls to talk. I am sure the stories they could tell would fill books.

Small schoolhouse that is now the library in Sterling.

Of course, I couldn't miss taking pictures of majestic old houses. This is Federalist style architecture. I do not think the front overhang over the front door is original. Typically Federalist style houses do not have overhangs like this. Thankfully it does seem this small addition was done in a tasteful manner.
This trip is showing me another aspect of New England that I appreciate. That is the tree canopies over the roads. These canopies cannot be appreciated on the interstate. At you travel on these roads, under canopies, it is as if you are Alice In Wonderland passing through the looking glass into a fantasy land. Not only are you experiencing a visual sensation but your senses are heightened, the aromas and fragrance of summer, trees, and earth abound.Riding on two wheels in these canopy of trees harkens me back to the grade school girl who was chosen to learn and perform this poem:

Trees by Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918

I THINK that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Soon after leaving Sterling, I came upon the small community Oneco, CT.
It is probably best known for horse country and Oneco Pond Dam, Oneco, Connecticut. This is one of the end of the pond.
The next thing I knew, as I was savoring the sun and the road, I was in Rhode Island. I have probably said this before, but New England back roads are NOT marked very well. Remember those directions I showed a picture of at the beginning of this blog? Due to lack of road marking's they became essentially worthless. As I traveling, I knew I was heading in the right direction and I was in Rhode Island, I had little idea of where I was. I passed several bikers parked on the decide of the road taking a stretch break, but I decided to continue riding. The next thing I knew, I was at the center of North Scituate, RI and it was lunch time. I found The Vanilla Bean Cafe. When I arrived it was a little late lunch with a few locals setting at some tables. I was famished and I wasn't chosey in what I ate. I ordered coffee, spinach and garlic calzone, and lemon pound cake.
With my hunger satisfied and tentative directions from the owner, I was on the move heading North further. Moswansicut Pond. Moswansicut Pond is on the Moswansicut Brook in Providence County, Rhode Island and is used for drinking water purposes. Construction was completed in 1919. Its normal surface area is 282 acres. It is owned by the City Of Providence.
Moswansicut Pond Dam is of earthen construction, masonry. Continuing on Route 116 on to Route 44, I approached Waterman Reservoir. Waterman Reservoir is on the Stillwater River in Providence County, Rhode Island and is used for recreation purposes. Construction was completed in 1837. At normal levels it has a surface area of 270 acres. It is owned by Citizens For The Preservation Of Waterman Lake. Waterman Reservoir Dam is of earthen construction, masonry.
I continued riding northwest on Route 44 (which is also known as Putnam Pike). I rode up on this store and immediately taken back to another time. There was this store: Brown and Hopkins. I didn't get a picture, but I did a search and was able to find this informative link. Brown and Hopkins Country Store "Brown and Hopkins is a heartwarming, living piece of retail history, being the oldest continuously running country store in the United States -- dating back to 1809. While not the biggest country store in New England, it often feels like the best, given its authentic two floors featuring old wooden floors, beamed ceilings, a retired potbelly stove and that sweet, relaxing unidentified familiar country store aroma. Brown and Hopkins' modest country store size doesn't hold it back from packing a lot of classic country store merchandise into its relatively limited space: penny candy, locally produced maple syrup, Vermont cheddar cheese, candles, braided rugs, hand made country decor, art prints, historical prints and a whole lot more of traditional items. Located in equally ancient Chepachet, RI -- where going back to another area is not just another cute marketing phrase -- Brown and Hopkins, antiques shops, dated Colonial homes and a peaceful aura make it hard to believe that the bustling Rhode Island City of Providence is less than a half-hour away."Source

From Route 44 I headed northeast on Route 102 (which is also known as the Broncos Highway) passing through several small towns - Oakland, Whipple (Mr. Whipple from the old Charmin toilet paper commercials would be proud that a town had his name), and passing by Slatersville Reservior. There are two dams. The larger dam, known as the Middle Dam, was built in 1849. It is 300 feet long, and causes a twenty foot drop. Behind the dam, is the 170 acre Lower Slatersville Reservoir. The smaller dam was built later to increase the water power. The sluice gate here controlled the amount of water flowing into the raceway that powered the Slatersville Mill. Reaching Route 5, which is also 146A, I headed north into Massachusetts. Finally giving in I got on an interstate - 146, which is also Worcester Providence Turnpike. This interstate is known as a highway for Blackstone Valley. The Blackstone River Valley of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is the “Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution,” the place where America made the transformation from Farm to Factory. America’s first textile mill could have been built along practically any river on the eastern seaboard, but in 1790 the forces of capital, ingenuity, mechanical know-how and skilled labor came together at Pawtucket, Rhode Island where the Blackstone River provided the power that kicked off America’s drive to industrialization. Source

Keeping with my goal to avoid as many interstates as possible, at West Main Street off of 146 I turned left to Stone Road and then onto Route 20. What is surprising is the names of some of the towns I passed through. As I was riding, I found myself riding right through Texas. It was obvious that I was not in the Great State of Texas, because in a blink of an eye, I was right through it. I could only imagine some confusion this might create for the residents as they are asked for their address: "Hi I am Jane Doe, I live in Texas, Massachusetts." I would not want that job of trying to explain to someone in a different state.

As I continued I passed more majestic houses and easily getting my architectural fix.

As I reached Ashland Avenue, which is also Route 131, I traveled past the Quinebaug River.
Traveling on I reached Route 197 heading towards Webster, Massachusetts. Webster is most noted as being the home of Lake Chaubunagungamaug.
It is the longest place name in the United States and among the longest (6th) in the world. With the name coming from the local Nipmuc Indians, it is believed to mean “Fishing Place at the Boundaries — Neutral Meeting Grounds.” Formed after the glaciers retreat in spring, Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (or Lake Chaubunagungamaug) includes three spring-fed lakes joined by narrow channels.
After enjoying the coolness of the water from the lake, I headed to interstate 395 working my way back home. I exited the interstate at Hope Valley so that I could ride through Hope Valley State Park.

As I made it through the state park, I knew it wasn't far from Buttonwood Farms - one of my favorite ice stops. Buttonwood Farms.
With my reward of strawberry ice cream in a waffle cone consumed, I headed home. Not only with a pallative satisfaction but in an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, I couldn't help but feel the sun on my smiling face.

Here is the link of the map: Map (please be patient for it to load).

The Sun to Compliment The Weekend

2009-07-06T22:36:00.000-04:00

Knowing the weather was going to be the best for the weekend that we have experienced in a very long time in Connecticut, I knew that it was going to be optimal for traveling on two wheels. Having plans for Fourth of July, the next best option would be to ride and explore on Sunday.

Riding a motorcycle has opened a whole new community of friends and acquaintances. I am a member of several Yahoo groups related to motorcycles in some way or another. In one of these groups, was a friend living in Brooklyn, Connecticut. (http://www.brooklynct.org/). About 31 miles from my house. Brooklyn is steeped in history. Settled in the 1600s and Incorporated as its own town in 1786, Brooklyn is now one of the fastest growing towns in Windham County. It is home to the Brooklyn Fair, America's oldest continuously operating agricultural fair. It is the final resting place of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam. He was originally buried in an above ground tomb in Brooklyn's South Cemetery, his remains had to be moved due to excessive visitors. In 1888, a statue of Putnam mounted on a horse was erected, and his sarcophagus placed in the foundation. The statue stands in the town green, in front of the town's post office. Talking to my friend about riding in his neck of the woods. I had shared with him that I get bored riding the same place all the time. What he didn't know what that I know that unless I am challenged, I tend to get lazy. Meeting with him gives me a reason to break the lazy mode. It also will add much needed experience under my belt. As a rider of about a year, any experience is good experience, any day riding is a good day.

The date, time, and location was confirmed. We were meeting in Lisbon, Connecticut on Sunday at 10 AM. I arrived about 5 minutes before him. I had never met him before but we knew each other immediately, funny how things like that happen.

The name "Connecticut" originates from the Mohegan word quinnitukqut, meaning "place of long tidal river". Connecticut's official nickname, adopted in 1959, is "The Constitution State," based on its colonial constitution of 1638–39. Unofficially (but popularly) Connecticut is also known as "The Nutmeg State". The origins of the nutmeg connection to Connecticut are unknown but there are many stories each person prefers. George Washington gave Connecticut the title of "The Provisions State" because of the material aid the state rendered to the Revolutionary War effort. Connecticut is also known as "The Land of Steady Habits". There are several different terms used to describe a native or resident of Connecticut, but the most popular is "Nutmegger."

Throughout Connecticut there are various sizes of towns and cities that reflect community in the truest sense of the word, many, if not all are centered on families, friendships and old time traditions. Neighbors chat at local shops. Town meetings invite participation. Truly Norman Rockwell-esque offering the nostalgic charm of New England villages. Connecting these towns and cities are interstates and back country roads. What is interesting to me that a very large majority of these back country roads are paved. Growing up in the Midwest I experienced back country roads that were gravel. On two wheels, I sure do appreciate the paved back country roads over gravel any day. Living in New England you cannot help but appreciate the history and impact this part of the country made on the foundation of which our country was built. This ride was filled with adventure for me in riding places I had not ridden. I had no idea where we were going. I couldn't write anything down because I was busy riding and savoring. If it wasn't for Google Maps, I might not have been able to share the map at the end of the blog. This map is 95% accurate.

Because the Connecticut River flows practically down the center of my state, there are tributaries and bodies of water throughout the area. During the early Industrial Revolution times if there was water you would find mill towns, since the water was the main power source for the mill.

As you can see from the map, we road through many towns and villages via excellent twisties. It would be impossible me to list every town or village we road through, so I am just going to target some highlights.

One of the first towns was Occum. Occum is actually considered a community and was named after Samuel Occum. He was born in a wigwam on Mohegan tribe land, Samson Occum (1723-1792) was one of the first ordained Christian Indian ministers. Occum's popularity as an eloquent teacher and spiritual leader grew with Indians over a large part of New England.

Occum is so small, much of the community focuses around the fire department.Next destination is Franklin, which includes the village of North Franklin. It is probable that more towns and cities have been named for Benjamin Franklin than for any other person. Franklin, Connecticut is one of them. It was originally called West Farms.Like Rome, Franklin, then West Farms, was established on seven hills: Hearthstone, Center or Middle, Pleasure, Meetinghouse, Blue, Little Lebanon and Portipaug/Pautipaug. Franklin is bordered by a Salt Rock State Forest. Actually there are so many forests in this general area it is difficult to determine where one ends and the other begins. Here is a map of Connecticut and the red circled area is the location of the forest of Franklin area. What also notably significant of Franklin it is the home of Oakshire Mushroom Farm. http://www.oakshire.com/. The forest and climate of this area is optimal for mushroom growth.

Travelling on we reached Marlborough. Marlborough has a relaxing charm of community, yet it is about 30 minutes from Hartford. The town dates back to as early as 1648. It is the home of the Marlborough Tavern. http://themarlboroughtavern.com/

The Marlborough Tavern claims to be the oldest operating tavern in Connecticut dating back to 1740.

On to Moodus. East Haddam, and Haddam area. This area sits right on the Connecticut River. My first job after moving to Connecticut in 1997 was in Moodus. What is significant for this area is the theater - although it is a small theater, The Goodspeed Opera House is not small in it's theater productions. The theater was built in 1876 by William Goodspeed, it was originally a store, office and steamship docking point, as well as having a theater on its top two floors, the Goodspeed was built in the Empire style with a mansard roof to attract the attention of traffic along the river.

By this time we were getting hungry. My friend took me to Winchester Cafe in Portland. http://www.culinarymenus.com/winchestercafe.htm Immediately we park our rides, head inside. The interior is reminiscent of a saloon with a long bar and several tables around. I have a personal rule that sometimes is very difficult for me to keep, but I was steadfast. I do not mix alcohol and riding. The beer was flowing and I could only vicariously enjoy beer through others while we enjoyed our lunch. The day was so beautiful we were able to sit at the outside tables, enjoy our meals and watch all the other bikes come and go up and down the road. In this atmosphere I felt right at home many New Englanders tend to be stand-offish, but being a Midwesterner, I have never met a stranger. We all had the commonality of riding. We all talked to each other like we were old friends.

As we headed out, my friend and I headed for fuel. The ride never grew tiresome, all of the twisties, the scenery, and my observations of the seasoned rider who was leading me. This is what riding on two-wheels is all about. We didn't, we couldn't communicate verbally as we each rode our own, but as we rode we were communicating with each other through our love of riding.

We fueled up and then discussed the remainder of our ride. He would get me to a certain point and then break off. I had to head to the shoreline area and he had to head north. As we got to that point, we waved good-bye to each other, going our separate ways. As I travelled on, I was feeling fulfilled, and at ease. Finally arriving home, I felt a gratifying sense of accomplishment. I got to meet a new friend face-to-face, enjoy his company, learn he is from the Boston area, like my Jack, and appreciate the fact that his wife doesn't ride, just like my Jack. Because I learn better from observation and doing, I also gained more experience and learned as I watched him lead me. I got to enjoy some wonderful architecture (remember I am an architectural junky) But more importantly, I rode and I challenged myself, and grew all through a comforting yet gratifying, rewarding experience.

(this link may also provide a clearer map: http://picasaweb.google.com/CarolSCasey/BikerDietitian?authkey=Gv1sRgCIDoltq31Ju2iQE#5355932113776241842)

A Celebration - A Graduation

2009-06-29T22:55:00.000-04:00

This is a quick posting that I cannot pass up. When I came to the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders, some people didn't know how to take me. You see, I am from the Midwest - Missouri in fact. One of the tried and true characteristics of a Midwesterner is that we have never met a stranger. Midwesterners are like that, we are friendly, polite folk. We will give the shirt off our backs if you need it more than we do. That is just the we are.

Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders is tempered with a melting pot of personality types. I have been riding with them for just a little over a year. As a Midwesterner I worked hard to win people over and help them drop their suspicions of me. The suspicions were simply because I was friendlier than the average Northeasterner. From what you have read already you know I am not a Northeasterner. You can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you cannot take the Midwest of of the girl.

In the midst of Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders I found a kindred spirit. Come to find out she is from the Midwest also - Michigan. When I started with Connecticut Patriot Guard Marcia greeted me with open arms and I was so relieved to find out there was someone who understood the friendliness, the open door hospitality, the "never-met-a-stranger" attitude. In being a new rider and being a new member she became my safety blanket. I look for her every mission. Marcia, (known as Perky because is what she is perky) is my confidant. We share things between the two of us and I know what I share with her goes no where else. She understands me. I like to think I understand her. We live fairly close to each other.

After I graduated from the Honda Rebel 250 motorcycle to my current ride, my Sportster, there was some thought of her buying the Honda Rebel. The timing wasn't quite right. She always rode as backrest with her Teddy-Bear Husband - Greg. They ride every where and attend countless Patriot Guard Rider missions. Marcia has had her license for a couple of years, she just didn't feel ready to get her own ride yet. Timing and comfortably is important.

This week I learned Marcia got her own ride about 2 weeks ago. It is this is my dear friend, Marcia's new ride:

Marcia had been practicing around town and in a parking lot until she was ready. Day before yesterday she emailed me sharing that she got up to 50 mph. I am just as excited for her as she is for herself.

Today Marcia graduated. Today, my dear friend Marcia rode her first Patriot Guard Rider mission as a solo rider. I was not able to attend this mission, but my Jack attended. He shared with me how excited Marcia was and wanted to make sure he shared with me that she was on her own two wheels. I had a feeling she was ready and I was hoping today would have been the day. Here is my dear friend, Marcia with her ride:

So I write this blog in celebration of my dear Marcia and her step forward of riding her own. This is fan-damn-static!

“A woman who rides a motorcycle is in tune with the universe, a candidate for high adventure.” Celestine Sibley

Rare Opportunity in the Midst of Deluge of Rain for Weeks

2009-06-25T18:07:00.000-04:00

Even more since I have been riding, I have become a weather-hound. Every morning I get up, check out the forecast on television and computer, send my favorite meteorologist a message on Twitter (http://twitter.com/home) asking whether it is a two-wheel day or a four-wheel day. Just for the record, I DO NOT LIKE getting pelleted with rain, so it is my choice NOT to ride in the rain, if at all possible. Other bikers may ridicule me for this stance, but quite frankly, I don't care. If they are ridiculing me, they are leaving someone else alone.

I got the forecast, NO RAIN today. Almost called out on work, but some attention at work can't be ignored. Then I listened to the weather, I heard there was going to be a strange glow in the sky in the afternoon - THE SUN WAS SUPPOSED TO SHINE! After not riding for several days, getting on my ride, OZ, was like getting reacquainted with an old friend. As we rode to work, he was purring like a satisfied lion and I was smiling from ear to ear. I will admit the re- acquaintance ride was an initially a brief acclimation to a soothing unison journey between my OZ and me.

At work I do not have a direct view outside. So, throughout the day I was peeking out the window. It kept getting brighter, I was getting eager. I work on flex-time. I finally felt it was time, time to leave. I walked outside, there it was the SUN!
After my customary pre-ride walk around and start up, I was off. There are several different routes I could take home. I do not exactly ever know which way I am going, I usually let my ride, OZ, decide. In the last moment (maintaining appropriate safe riding posture) I decided to ride home via I-95. Anyone that rides knows how easy it was to twist the throttle and ride fast.

Today was different. Today, on two-wheels, may be a one time shot because the rain is coming again. With today's ride I found myself savoring each and every minute. I didn't twist the throttle as much as I usually do. I looked at the speedometer, I was going exactly the speed limit. Cars were passing all around me, I was in the center lane, I didn't care. I was in the wind. I was savoring.

As I rode I discovered the sun as a fragrance I never noticed before. It was an appealing fragrance. A combination of fresh, clean, warmth, and sprinkled with crispness without the feeling of being cold. It was almost as if I could feel the Vitamin D from the sun absorbing right into my skin. As I rode I was gliding through the wind, just above the road, effortlessly in control and appreciating every second, every aroma, every vehicle that passed me (which by the way must have been speeding at least 15 mph above the posted speed). I knew this ride couldn't be a long ride based the time of day, traffic was going to pick up soon and the pleasure I was experiencing might transition to a hassle.

I decided, after I crossed the Thames River on the Gold Star Bridge (you can read more about the Gold Star Bridge in this blog posting: http://bikerdietitian.blogspot.com/2009/06/sunday-6709-no-destination-ride-report.html), I decided to travel to New London, Connecticut, just across the Thames River from where I live in Groton, Connecticut.

New London is the home of New London County Courthouse built in 1784, it was described by architectural historian William Warren as "an ambitious and expensive undertaking for a small region in the New Republic." The Courthouse was built to replace the courthouse burned by the British during the American Revolution. During the Civil War it was also used as a hospital for the war injured. It sits on Huntington Street at the head of State Street in New London. At first the building served as both town hall and courthouse. Originally built closer to State Street, the courthouse was moved back when Huntington Street was widened in 1839. Dudley St. Clair Donnelly designed a rear addition, built in 1909, and a modern addition by Hirsch and Persch was constructed in 1982. The New London Courthouse is one of America’s oldest courthouses still in use.

The original structure was crowned by a distinctive cupola, a Palladian window and fluted pilasters. American Patriot Patrick Henry argued cases in the Courthouse and other historical notables such as Daniel Webster, the Marquis de Lafayette and Horace Greeley spoke there.
The Courthouse, the oldest in Connecticut, is also one of the oldest Courthouses in the country in continuous use. After numerous renovations and additions it still serves New London County and surrounding areas in its capacity as the New London Judicial District Courthouse.

(a previously taken picture). http://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/History/landmark.htm Ever since I relocated to Connecticut from Florida, this building has been one of my very favorites. When I first got to New London County it was in dire need of painting and some restoration. Finally through all of the layers of bureaucy it received the necessary face lift. As an architectural purest I don't like the addition that is set back from the main building. It is the only real part of the courthouse that is modern from the exterior. This modern addition was built by Hirsch and Persch constructed in 1982. You can see part of the addition on the right hand side of this picture, the back set light on the part of the building I am referring.

Once past the courthouse, you can look right across the street to see Public Library of New London - another striking piece of architecture. (I had to use a stock picture because I could not stop to take one myself). The building history: The New London whaling merchant, Henry Philemon Haven, who died in 1876, left a bequest to be used for charitable purposes. His trustees used the funds to build a library, completed in 1892 and designed by the firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. A group of architects under the umbrella name of Richardson sent George Warren Cole, who eventually established his own firm in the city, to New London to supervise three simultaneous projects: the Library, Williams Memorial Institute and Nathan Hale School. The Richardsonian Romanesque Public Library of New London building features a design similar to the libraries designed by Richardson and contrasts a Milford granite construction with brownstone trim.

Traveling through the streets of New London, I was riding on or near the Thames River. Being a seaport city and port of entry of the Northeast coast of the United States, you can not help but let your mind wonder back in time. New London was called Nameaug by the Pequot Indians. John Winthrop, Jr. founded the first English settlement here in 1646 making it about the 13th town settled in Connecticut. The town was officially named after London, England March 10, 1658. You can read more about New London here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London,_Connecticut

Stopping on the bank of the Thames River, on the New London side, at the Custom House Maritime Museum, I was able to soak myself in the sun and history simultaneously. The United States Custom House, on Bank Street in New London, was built in 1833 and was designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. The wood doors are made from planks from the USS Constitution (which is homeported in Boston and was commissioned to be built by George Washington). When the Amistad was brought to New London in 1839, the ship was moored near the Custom House and when it was sold, in 1840, its cargo was auctioned off in the building. The New London Maritime Society was formed in 1983 to save the Greek Revival-style building. It established the New London Custom House Maritime Museum in what continues to be the oldest continuously-operating custom house in the country.

At the time was getting short, it was time to head home. Although it was short, it was a ride of renewal after long days of raining. It was a ride of appreciation, appreciating my freedoms to be able to ride and appreciate all the history that surrounds me where I live...

Sunday, 6/7/09 "No Destination" Ride Report

2009-06-16T19:40:00.000-04:00

Looking at the clock and the sun beaming in through the windows, I knew I needed to get my ass out there on my ride, if I didn't I would regret it later.
The decision had been made, I was riding today, but to where? No specific destination. With my love for twisties, combined with the smell of sea air, I knew I needed a fix of the ocean and twisties. I live right on Long Island Sound, there should not been any difficulty. Finally lowered the garage door and I was out there...on two wheels. Decided I would start my journey by riding down to Avery Point. I live right off of Route 349.

Avery Point is right on the point of of where the Thames River empties into Long Island Sound. Avery Point was formerly the summer estate of Morton Plant, a railroad, steamship and hotel magnate. Branford House, the mansion overlooking Long Island Sound, was reportedly worth $3 million when it was completed in 1904. It is a satellite campus of University of Connecticut. http://averypoint.uconn.edu/avery_point/campus_history.htm. I admire architecture of days gone by. The Branford House is breathtaking and very picturesque.
Avery Point is the home of Avery Point Lighthouse. http://www.averypointlight.com/. What is impressive of this spot, you can stand on the point observation deck and view four lighthouses within eye sight. Avery Point Lighthouse:

Race Rock Lighthouse:
New London Ledge Light (located right at the mouth of Thames River):

And across the Thames River is New London Harbor Light:
Besides these lighthouses, on a clear day, Long Island, New York is also visible. After soaking in the beauty and the fresh salt air, on with my ride. Heading to I-95. Because I have shared tidbits about the Gold Start Bridge, that is part of I-95 and crosses over the Thames River I thought I would share a picture of it. It is actually two bridges - one bridge is northbound and the other bridge is southbound. They are physically two separate bridges. One the southbound side of the bridge you can see the U.S. Naval Submarine Base and on the northbound of the bridge you can see the mouth of the Thames River emptying into Long Island Sound.

Once I crossed the Thames River, I got off of I-95 and traveled the city streets of New London, Connecticut. Founded in 1646 the city has celebrated over 350 years of history with historic streets lined with 18th and 19th century buildings. New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States. It is located at the mouth of the Thames River (pronounced as to rhyme with 'James', unlike the river of the same name in London, the capital of England, which pronounces it to rhyme with 'hems') in New London County, Connecticut. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London,_Connecticut

It is a quick transition from New London to Waterford, Connecticut. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterford,_CT Waterford, named after Waterford, Ireland, is a shoreline town bounded on three sides by water. Long Island Sound is our south boundary, the Niantic River flows along the west boundary, and the Thames River.

Waterford having Niantic River as a boundary, it creates the ease of transition to Niantic, Connecticut. Niantic is a small cove town on Niantic Bay. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niantic,_Connecticut

Within a few miles of Niantic you arrive in the Lyme area. This area is most noted for being the home of Robert Ballard - the discoverer of the Titanic wreckage. Through the Lyme area the terrain transitions more inland leading you to Hamburg and Salem area. This area is filled with farms and horses. The aroma of the farmlands harkens me back to childhood memories of my youth.

Once through the Salem area, I traveled through Chesterfield, CT. The Mohegan Native American Tribal Nation has been a presence in this area of Connecticut since the 16th to 17th century. Their 700-acre reservation is located in the Village of Uncasville of which Chesterfield is a part.

I easily made a circle in my ride, reached I-95 and headed north back home, to Groton, CT.

This is the Google Map link area :

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=groton+CT&sll=41.427283,-72.400589&sspn=0.258966,0.986023&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=41.3969,-72.327805&spn=0.259087,0.986023&z=11

And this is the route I traveled on "No Destination" Ride:

What is so impressive to me about southeastern Connecticut is the diversity. In this respect I am meaning diversity is the geographics. Considering I am Midwest farm girl, my idea of farming was flat land as far as the eye could see. In southeastern Connecticut it is within a matter of miles you can travel from a fishing cove to farm land without even realizing you are doing it until you have arrived. I was able to fulfill my needs in smelling the salt air along the coast while riding a few twisties outside of Niantic, in Hamburg, and in Salem, Connecticut. A perfect day for wind therapy and soaring just above the road on two wheels.

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Ride Report from Sunday 6/7/09 for Brief Commercial and a Rant

2009-06-10T17:43:00.000-04:00

I started researching the reasons why a person should get a motorcycle license if they are going to ride a motorcycle. Why? Well, a little side story. I talked about this experience on Twitter and my Facebook account. I belong to a couple of Yahoo speciality groups. One group in particular a couple of new women motorcyclists have arrived on the scene. Coincidentally, one lives less than 15 miles away from me.

Although I am typically a loner and even a misfit, I thought, well, I would agree to meet this woman motorcyclists and perhaps we could become riding partners. We have been communicating via email. One email lead to another and the topic of riding experience came up. She mentioned an upcoming organized ride, but she said her boyfriend thought she wasn't ready for highway travel. That sparked my curiousity. I decided to ask her about her other riding experience, i.e. group riding. Her reply intrigued me, she said something to the effect, "Group riding experience. What is the big deal about group riding?"

That perked another interest. I immediately asked, "Have you completed Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riding course?" She replied she hadn't yet.

My next question was, "Do you have a motorcycle learner's permit?" Her answer was no. I started mentally taking inventory. She has a Sportster. She rides with her boyfriend leading her. She doesn't have a license or learner's permit. I asked her where she rides. She told me she rides around town and usually following her boyfriend. I told her taking the written test at DMV only takes 10 minutes and it is a cinch. She then replies, "I have had several back surgeries. DMV won't give me a permit because of that, even though I have a letter from my doctor."

Call me conversative, call me a law-abiding citizen, call me a person knows my limits. I have been riding a year. I know my limits and try to stay within them. I would never get out on the road on a motorcycle with at least a learner's permit. I would (and did) complete a basic riding course.

Motorcyclists are required by law to carry a motorcycle-specific driver's license, but licensing requirements differ from state to state. Some states accept licenses issued in other states, while others do not. Some states provide state-funded rider education classes to help riders earn their licenses, and some states allow riders to waive rider education classes by taking a skill test. It is important to be familiar with the motorcycle laws in your state, including insurance requirements, so that you can avoid a citation and enjoy your ride.

Before you can get a motorcycle license (also known as a motorcycle endorsement), most states require you to obtain a motorcycle permit. The permit is a conditional license that may prohibit you from carrying a passenger or riding after dark. In order to get a motorcycle permit, you will need to take a written test. Some states also require you to take a class in conjunction with a written test. Once you have a motorcycle permit, you may be required to log a certain amount of riding time and/or wait a certain period before you are allowed to have a motorcycle license.

Although motorcycle licensing requirements differ from state to state, there are some general guidelines to be aware of when obtaining your motorcycle license. Most states require you to pass a series of written tests in order to obtain a motorcycle permit. These tests will question you about state-specific rules and regulations, traffic laws, and conduct on the road. Classes and books are available to help you prepare for the written test. After having a motorcycle permit for a certain amount of time and/or riding a certain number of hours, you may proceed to take a series of written and skill tests to obtain your motorcycle license.

A skill test is meant to test a driver's highway riding ability. A driver may be asked to perform simple maneuvers, such as left and right turns. Drivers must also demonstrate the ability to start and stop smoothly. More complicated maneuvers, such as S-turns, U-turns, sharp turns to avoid obstacles, and quick stops will also have to be successfully executed. Once a driver passes all written and skill tests, he or she is granted a motorcycle license. Unlike a permit, a license allows the driver to carry passengers and ride after dark.

6/6/09 Saturday Ride Report

2009-06-07T19:23:00.000-04:00

The day started with Jack and me going our separate ways. Saturday was the induction of submarine veterans who have been qualified for 50 years as a submariner to get inducted into the Holland Club. (Holland Club History http://www.ussvi.org/hc/hch-01.htm) The Holland Club was named after John Holland, an Irish American school teacher. In 1896, the Navy insisted that submarine designer John Holland build his first contract submarine named the Plunger.
http://inventors.about.com/od/hstartinventors/a/JohnHolland.htm

That being said, with 18 being the minimum age of most enlisting in the Navy, this means the minimum age of these inductees is 68 years old. This club is a prestige sect of the Naval submariner. Essentially, submariners make up approximately 2% of the U.S. Navy. My Jack is not a submariner, but an associate member of the submarine veterans club. He qualified for this status because he was stationed at the Submarine Base here in Groton, CT as support personnel, before going to Vietnam. He volunteered to shuttle the inductees from the designated parking area to the Submarine Veterans Club, where the ceremony was to be held.

I was off to a Patriot Guard Mission in Westbrook, CT (http://www.westbrookct.us/).
The location is approximately 30 miles one way. First, I was heading to the primary staging in Old Saybrook, Connecticut which was 22 miles one way. I planned on travelling primarily on I-95, heading south. As I proceeded, the on ramp to I-95 is very close to my house. The on ramp is a left hand on ramp, versus the typical right hand on ramp. This means your speed needs to be fairly close to the fast lane speed. Luckily there is a decent loop of the on ramp and ample amount of a lane to get your speed up, if you need it. When I first started riding, I needed a lot. Not any more. The minute I come off the ramp, I am cranking that throttle. The trick is to make sure you are signaling so the oncoming traffic knows you want over. Most civilized people accommodate you and move over, you always have this pinheads you are either oblivious or just out right jerks. They will not move over. That is what you have to pay attention to and you can share with them just how number one they are in your life at that particular time.

The weather was beautiful. Gorgeous blue skies, excellent temperature of low 70’s. The traffic on I-95 was mild compared to weekday traffic. The speed limit starts out at 55 MPH but for some reason, this area of I-95 in Connecticut, the high speed lane travels a minimum of 75 MPH. Twisting the throttle to 75 MPH is far too easy. First travelling over the Thames River on the Gold Star Bridge might intimidate people. Heck I even have friends who are afraid of it in a car. (Trust me, this bridge is nothing compared to the two bridges you must cross to get to Newport, RI). I have grown to enjoy soaring over these bridges because it is as close to flying as a person can get without actually taking flight.

Knowing there are several off ramps on the left and the high speed lane on the right, I invariably choose to travel the center lane. Even there my speed averages 70 MPH. The next bridge is the Baldwin Bridge that stretches over the Connecticut River. As soon as I get off the bridge, my exit is next. I get off and travel to center Old Saybrook, Connecticut at a gas station where I am to meet others. I also filled up my tank. I got to finally meet a fellow dietitian and her boyfriend – both live in Connecticut, but we had become connected through Facebook. As we were getting ready to leave, up rolled Old Saybrook’s finest in a patrol car. The next thing we knew, since the ride captain lives in Old Saybrook, we were getting a police escort to Westbrook, Connecticut. That meant we got an American Express cart blanc to run the red lights – Wahoo…don’t have to stop, get separated, and the hassle of putting the feet down. The joy of this short 8 mile stretch is that it is not an interstate. We travel on Route 154 which begins at US 1 in Old Saybrook. The back roads or smaller state highways are so scenic. It is a two lane highway and the traffic is mild. Our escort falls off in a parking area just as we reach the town line of Westbrook. These towns are undoubtedly Rockwell’s inspiration for all of his Americana paintings. I never grow tired of gliding through them and being on two wheels makes it even sweeter. Shortly after our escort left us, we arrived on the green of Westbook, Connecticut. The Town Hall is Federalist style architecture and very typical of New England. Westbrook is the home of the inventor of the first submarine – the Turtle, David Bushnell. http://naval-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_turtle_first_combat_submarine. The Patriot Guard mission was held right on the green or the center of town.

Once it was completed, some of us headed to Parthenon Diner in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. As we sit enjoying good food and good conversation more friends joined us. After lunch, they decided to show me a couple of water view routes…water view of Long Island Sound. This took us right back on 154. Views were spectacular. Soaring effortlessly above the ground on two wheels with Long Island Sound on my right is majestic. This country has so many sites I never grow weary of seeing. We do not have castles, persay, but we have lighthouses. It is said that lighthouses are America's Lighthouses. No matter how many times or how many lighthouses I see, I never grow weary of seeing them. They are such a vital part of our maritime history. I could see the Old Saybrook two lighthouse houses: the Lynde Point Lighthouse which is very reminiscent of a New England Light House.

I could also see the Saybrook Breakwater Light Lighthouse. It is more of a "coffee-pot" type lighthouse.

At the end of our ride, we went our separate ways. I headed back on Main Street (the main route of the Memorial Day Parade I was in with the Patriot Guard).

The Main Street of Old Saybrook (http://www.oldsaybrookct.org/Pages/OldSaybrookCT_About/living_history) is quaint and even though it is not a town square, it reminds me of the town square of the small town I grew up in Missouri. It is a four lane road with a median dividing the directions of the traffic. In the median you will find “New England-esque” lighting and hanging flowering plants. On either side of the street are angled parking. You will also see eateries with outdoor dining. Everyone knows each other and unlike the typical stoic New Englander, I actually saw people waving and greeting each other. That told me that these know each other and are not regarded as outsiders. I proceeded to I-95 and headed home.

The entire day was also over shadowed by being the 65th anniversary of D-Day – American Troops landing on Normandy Beach. So many sacrifices by the Greatest Generation, so I could enjoy and appreciate this day and my freedoms, I would not want to live in any other country.

Distractive Driving = Lethal Driving (Update on Anita Zaffke's tragic death)

2009-06-06T17:12:00.000-04:00

If you have been reading my blog and/or keen to the tragic death of Anita Zaffke, you may have surmized that this has touched me very closely. It has touched me to the point that I am contributing to Anita's son, Greg Zaffke's "BLACK NAIL BRIGADE - Foundation Against Reckless, Negligent, Impaired & Distracted Driving" The foundation's goal is to increase awareness of the dangers of driver recklessness & inattention through education while demanding strict legal precedent, fully enforced to ensure prevention of senseless deaths on the road. http://www.blacknailbrigade.org/ which is evolving into an excellant resource. Greg's and the Foundation is just getting started. As it continues to grow and evolve, it is clear it will make a positive impact on decreasing distracted driving.

I have been following this case closely and attempting to push for drivers not to drive distracted. Motorcyclists and vehicle drivers all must ride and driver safer. I understand that there are two sides of the fence. There are irresponsible riders, just like irresponsible drivers. It is my own goal to continue to increase awareness of motorcycles and discourage distracted drivers. Distracted drivers effects everyone, not just motorcyclists. In my mind,

Here is an update on the latest status of this case.

source:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=298760

http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3562429698&frmid=48&msgid=1059735&cmd=show

Traffic ticket dismissed as probe into fatal crash continues

By Tony Gordon [ tgordon@dailyherald.com ]

Daily Herald Staff

Published: 6/5/2009 4:16 PM

"Prosecutors have dismissed the traffic ticket issued to a Morris womansuspected of causing a May 2 crash that killed a motorcyclist, while theyinvestigate filing more serious charges at a later date.

Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said Friday he elected to dismiss the ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident given toLora L. Hunt, 48, to avoid potential double-jeopardy issues.

Police said Hunt was polishing her fingernails as she drove and struck amotorcycle stopped for a traffic signal at Rand and Old McHenry roads nearLake Zurich.

The driver of the motorcycle, Anita Zaffke, 56, of Lake Zurich, was killed by the impact.

The tragedy has touched off an angry and emotional outcry, particularlyamong motorcycle enthusiasts, about the danger caused by distracted drivers.

Waller said an accident reconstruction specialist is preparing a report onthe crash, and investigators from his office are re-interviewing witnesses.

He said it was necessary to dismiss the traffic ticket before Hunt's firstscheduled court appearance, which was set for Monday, June 8, to avoidpotential double-jeopardy issues.

"Had she chosen to plead guilty to the traffic ticket, it could have prevented us from filing more serious charges if the investigation indicatesthey are warranted," Waller said. "If more serious charges are notwarranted, the traffic charge can be reinstated."

Lake County Sheriff's police have already said drug or alcohol use on Hunt'spart is not an issue in the case, and Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Kellersaid Hunt's toxicology tests were negative.

Waller said he could not predict when the investigation would be complete,but added he expects the results within a few weeks.

[ AND THE GAMES BEGIN! ]

Open Letter to Lora L. Hunt, Reckless Killer of Motorcyclist Anita Zaffke

2009-05-21T21:39:00.000-04:00

FIRST AMENDMENT NOTICE: This is a political communication to Bruce's Rights Riders List exercising our Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and exempted from the C.A.N.S.P.A.M. Act of 2003 to convey information regarding motorcyclists' rights and motorcycle awareness issues. To insure that you continue to receive emails like this, please add "bruce@ldrlongdistancerider.com" to your address book and safe senders list. To no longer receive our emails, please reply to this email with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.

***OPEN LETTER TO LORA L. HUNT, RECKLESS KILLER OF ANITA ZAFFKE***

Bruce on Bikers Rights (June 2009)

22 May 2009
Lora L. Hunt
6125 Peart Road
Morris, IL 60450-9514
Tel/Fax: 815-942-2022

Dear Ms. Hunt,On the afternoon of 2 May 2009--the second day of "Motorcycle Awareness Month"--you made the deliberate decision to engage in the personal vanity of painting your fingernails rather than paying attention to your driving. In so doing, you knew or should have known that (just as if you were texting or talking on a cell phone) this deplorable discretionary distraction would transform the possibility of you being in an accident into a probability of causing one. In so doing, you exhibited a culpable disregard of the foreseeable consequences of your actions, and recklessly endangered the lives of all motorists who shared the road with you that day. And in so doing, you wantonly took the life of a helmeted, conspicuously clad, experienced and responsible motorcyclist, a loving wife and mother named Anita Zaffke:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0506edit2may06,0,5172713.story

It's too bad Anita Zaffke didn't take the interstate that day. If she had, at least there'd be much less chance you could have plowed full speed into the rear of her Honda as she waited for a light to change. Instead she was on an undivided road, where according to NHTSA (DOT HS 810 606 Table 20), 90% of all motorcycle accidents occur. And why is that? Because those are the roads where motorists guilty of inattentional blindness resulting from discretionary distractions are most likely to commit a right-of-way violation ... like pulling out or turning left in front of us as they chat on their cell phones ... or weaving into our lane and hitting us head on as they tap out their text messages ... or ramming us at a red light while they paint their fingernails.

That doesn't change the facts, however, that Anita Zaffke had every right to be where she was, and that you had no right to hit her stopped motorcycle so hard that you knocked her two hundred feet through the air, causing her to suffer for more than an hour before succumbing to the mortal wounds inflicted by your total disregard for the lives of others.

You are responsible for taking a human life, Lora Hunt, because you made a conscious decision to engage in a distraction that you knew impaired your ability to drive. Yes, you were just as impaired as if you'd been driving under the influence of alcohol, if not more so. And had this been a DUI manslaughter, you'd probably be charged with a Class 2 Felony and sentenced to a jail term of 3 to 14 years. But "DWI" has yet to be redefined as "driving while impaired", in Illinois or elsewhere, so the charge you're more likely to face is reckless homicide, a Class 3 Felony punishable by only 2 to 5 years imprisonment. And even THAT charge has not been filed against you by the State's Attorneys ... yet.

Your untested but politically connected young lawyer, Ms. Ragan R. Freitag, only graduated from Mississippi College School of Law last year and passed her Illinois bar exam last October. But she has been quick to remind the masses through the media that "distracted driving is not illegal". That is true. And it is a sad commentary on the hypocrisy of our society that willfully endangering others by driving while impaired due to alcohol or drugs is a crime, but driving while being equally impaired by discretionary distractions is not. We will not allow Ms. Freitag's naive attempt at redirection, however, to obfuscate the real issue here. For even the staunchest Libertarians will agree that your freedom to swing a fist ends where someone else's right not to be hit begins. You crossed that line, Lora Hunt, when you took the life of Anita Zaffke. And no amount of remorse, staged or sincere, can undo the damage you have done.

For consciously deciding to engage in a discretionary distraction that led directly to the death of a responsible motorcyclist, you must be held accountable. That process begins, Lora Hunt, when you are scheduled to appear in Lake County Court at 9 a.m. Monday, June 8, to deal with your ticket for "failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident"

Lake County Courthouse and Administration Building18 North County StreetWaukegan, Illinois 60085-4359 http://www.19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/info/info_n18.htm

RAIN OR SHINE, I HOPE THAT EVERY BIKER IN ILLINOIS RIDES TO MEET YOU THERE. I also hope that every rider reading this will join me in demanding that justice be done for Anita Zaffke, for her family, and for all American motorcyclists. And in closing, I hope that as a member of the First Christian Church of Morris IL, Lora Hunt, you realize how fortunate you are that the State of Illinois is not likely to apply the penalty for your crime prescribed in Leviticus 24(19-21):

"If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death."I, for one, wish they would. Then maybe, over time, more would change in these reports than just the names: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/failure_to_yield_to_motorcycles.php

Speaking strictly for myself and no other individuals or organizations,
Bruce Arnold
Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Author and Publisher, LdrLongDistanceRider.com
Co-Moderator, Bruce-n-RC's Biker Forum Mile Eater Gold Member,
Iron Butt Association (IBA) Sustaining Member,
Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2009 Chairman's Circle,
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

cc:Ragan R. Freitag, Attorney
116 N. Chicago Street Suite 500
Joliet, IL 60432
Tel: 815-723-4400
Fax: 815-723-4422

State's Attorneys Office
18 N. County St.
4th Floor
Waukegan, IL 60085
Tel: 847-377-3000
statesattorney@lakecountyil.gov

Lisa Madigan
Illinois Attorney General
500 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62706
Tel: 217-782-1090 http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp

Pat Quinn, Governor
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Tel: 217-782-0244
http://www.illinois.gov/GOV/contactthegovernor.cfm

Ray LaHood, Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Tel: 202-366-4000
Ray.LaHood@dot.gov

***HTML version of this article:
http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/motorcyclists_rights/bikersrights0906.php

PDF version of this article:
http://us.mg203.mail.yahoo.com/dc/launch?.partner=sbc&.gx=1&.rand=70ti9q7kfrgr1

*** SUPPORT BRUCE'S RIGHTS RIDERS LIST BY DONATING HERE: http://support.ldrlongdistancerider.com
"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnold *** TELL A FRIEND ABOUT BRUCE'S RIGHTS RIDERS LIST Please forward this email to fellow riders on your contacts list, or use the TELL A FRIEND box here: http://rightsriders.ldrlongdistancerider.com *** THE LATEST BIKERS' RIGHTS NEWS The latest headlines for motorcyclists' rights, motorcycle awareness, helmet laws, noise ordinances and motorists' failure to yield by category are now available 24/7. Here is the link to add to your web browser favorites or bookmarks: http://bikernews.ldrlongdistancerider.com

Welcome Home 1109th AVCRAD, Groton, CT

2009-05-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

I got to spend my Mother's Day in a very special way. I got to participate in the Welcome Home Mission for the 1109th AVCRAD, Groton, CT
There were about 40 of us there. This unit was the same unit we participated in a send off mission one year ago. They were in Iraq and Kuwait. They are a heliocopter repair unit.
Here are pictures: (both links are safe from virus)
http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4f5449334e7a6b314e4877784e7a45314f546b304e513d3d0d0a&sb=1

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=a5n4g2qx.5pm0b1t1&x=0&y=745a7k&localeid=en_US

Week In Review 4.24.09

2009-04-24T21:04:00.000-04:00

Reflection

Of the past 7 days I have gotten to ride my prize possession 3 days out of 7. Coming out of Winter and Spring trying to jump out is not always easy. This is my first Spring season with two wheels all my own. Many bikers put their bikes away for the Winter. I never did. It isn't like I have not ridden during the Winter, I have. But now I am going to be riding more.

When I rode with my dad, I was always his backrest or fender fluff (these are two terminologies given to women who would ride behind the motorcycle rider). I always relished being his backrest/fender fluff, but I always wanted more. Since getting my motorcycle license last year I have been able to feel that "more."

What is that "more"?

More is the feeling of riding my own bike. I always knew that when I got my own bike, it would have to be a Harley - no question. For a year or so I had been seen at by the VA for PTSD. In the short period that I have been riding my own I have never been more clearer mentally. That counseling at the VA for PTSD cannot touch the benefits I have received from being in the wind and riding my own bike. Soaring above the road on two wheels can be compared to Eagles soaring above the ground catching the updrafts and gracefully gliding. Because of this riding, for me, is dry cleaning for my brain (via the wind).

This and That

The biggest obstacle I have been working on my riding technique is making every effort not to drop my bike. Oh it is so very easy to drop it. I have many times. It is embarassing AND in my eyes it seems as if I am an incomptent rider. Logically I know that is not the case, but I can't help feeling that way. There are a over 100 ways that a person can drop their bike. As a motorcycle rider, you want to try your best to avoid those ways. The ones I am constantly working on are:

Putting your foot down on something slippery when stopping (gravel, sand, road grime, etc).
Make a turn from stop in gravel or sand at high throttle.
Not putting your foot down when stopping on red light.
Look at the sand at the edge of the exit ramp rather than throughthe turn.
When you come to an intersection where you are going to turn, turning your head and looking both directions before you actually stop. This causes your front tire (known as your forks) to be turned when you are stopped.
Plowing through a turn to quickly.
Edging through a turn to slowly without your feet down.
Stopping on an incline and not having your forks straight.

These are the 8 potential causes of dropping my bike that is giving me some anxiety. Besides not wanting to look like I don't know what I am doing, my bike is not a lightweight, it weighs almost 600 pounds. Lifting that thing isn't an easy chore.

The Art of Self-Talk

As part of my coping mechanism of working through my anxieties and PTSD I have taught myself, what I like to say, "The Art of Self-Talk." This is a technique that I like to call, "self-coaching". I am always talking and coaching myself. I am continually doing this in hopes that what I need to do becomes second nature. I learned in Basic Motorcycle Riding Safety Class to always scan ahead of me. I am always looking ahead and keeping my eyes up, not down. This helps me scope out what is in front of me.

Riding a motorcycle has made me a better car driver. When a person is on a motorcycle, the senses are heightened. Everything is magnified, you become more aware of everything around you and everything around those around you.

I Just Need To....

Remember everything I need to do.

Not forget what I learned in class.

Never get to cocky.

Push through my anxieties.

Practice, practice, practice, and practice more.

Blessing of the Bikes and Expensive Lawn Ornaments

2009-04-19T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to attend the 14th Annual Blessing of the Bikes in New London, Connecticut. It was hosted by New London Motorcycle Club at Ocean Beach Park. Friends have been trying to get me to join the club. I just haven't. I am not a joiner. Somewhere in the future I will talk about motorcycle clubs and the various types, but that is for a different post.

Ocean Beach is approximately 10 miles from my house.

A little history about Ocean Beach. http://www.ocean-beach-park.com/Ocean Beach is in New London, Connecticut. It situated right on Long Island Sound, at the mouth of the Thames River. Ocean Beach Park has a long history of use starting from the early 1900's. Ocean Beach Park has an Olympic size pool, miniature golf, playground, snack bars, arcade and a nice long boardwalk and the beach.

I was debating whether I wanted to attend this event. Then I learned that my most favorite Meteorologist, Weather Guy, friend, fellow veteran, and fellow biker - Gil Simmons was going to be there. That clinched it. I was going. I was debating because I don't believe in the whole blessing thing. But I figured I would get to see a lot of bikes. At the end of this blog, I have included two links so you can see the pictures I took.

There were loads of bikes. Historically bikers have been men and women have ridden as a passengers. This has been called, "Backrests" or "Fender Fluff." (Another topic for a different blog is the biker lingo). Numbers of women riders are growing exponencially. My husband does not ride a motorcycle. He did not attend this event with me. We often do our own stuff, sure there are things we do together, but he just isn't interested in biker stuff.

I was taking pictures like crazy. I was excited, I got to see Rick, the instructor in the first motorcycle basic riding class. I haven't disclosed it yet, but the first time around, in basic riding class, I crashed. It wasn't a big crash, but it made me appreciate a helmet. I felt badly that it was Rick's class that I crashed in, I didn't want it to reflect negatively on him. He was as happy to see me as I was to see him. But what happened in that class is yet another topic for a future blog.

As I was walking round looking at the bikes, I happened to overhear a young woman. She was making comments about the bikes she was taking pictures. To paraphrase what she said: "I am going to have to get a bike." I asked her if she had ever rode a motorcycle. She said "No." I asked her if I could offer a suggestion. She replied, "Oh I don't want to ride a motorcycle, I only want it because they are so pretty." I was floored. I looked at her and I literally had to close my mouth. I bit my tongue and politely walked away. As I went over to talk with some of my friends, I was explaining what had just happened. It occurred to me that essentially this young woman was just looking for a shiny, chromed, two wheeled lawn ornament.

The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was a spectular day. I got to see a lot of beautiful bikes. I got to take a wonderful bike ride. I got to see a lot of friends I hadn't seen for awhile. I got to see various types of bikes I hadn't seen before. And I attended my first Blessing of the Bikes events.

Below are the two albums of pictures I have posted on Facebook of today's pictures. Everyone should be able to see them. Enjoy...

Album 1

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020678&id=1421842129&saved#/album.php?aid=2020678&id=1421842129

Album 2

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/album.php?aid=2020680&id=1421842129

THE BIKER'S CREED

2009-04-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

I ride because it is fun.
I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it.
My machine is not a symbol of status.
It exists simply for me, and me alone.
My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex.
I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and well being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine.
I will learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive.
I am the master, it is the servant.
Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master.
I will master it. My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy.
I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them.
For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me.
For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.
I will never be the aggressor on the highway.
However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, they will be slapped.
It will be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before me.
I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers.
I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help.
I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where ever I go.
I am proud to be a biker, and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me.

But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.

I am including a link that has a very well written song. List to the words. All of them are true. This song is performed by Joey J and the Shovelheads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4mU8ZqMZPU

June 1955 (or where my roots of riding were born)

2009-04-13T22:29:00.000-04:00

I think about him often, although I never got to meet him. I am told he was a gentle soul who was full of life. He would give anyone the shirt off his back and not accept recognition for his generosity. While he was a man's man, he was not as mechanically inclined. He was analytical, with a magnetic personality, always happy, and creative. While he was less brash than his brother, he never turned down the opportunity to live life to the fullest. He stayed in the background while his brother was bold and seemed to always push life to its limits.

I am told he was soft spoken, hardly ever raising his voice. He shadowed his brother. They were inseparable, if you found one you would find the other. I have dreamed about him, meeting him in my dreams three times. In the first dream he came to me as I saw him in his pictures – handsome, young, auburn hair, and beautiful blue eyes. In the second dream he was older, long grey hair tied back in a pony tail, crows feet around his eyes, but the same beautiful blue eyes. Last night he came to me in my dreams. He looked a little older, but the love in those beautiful blue eyes was still there. I rushed into his arms as if holding him onto him would keep him with me in my dreams even longer. He told me he loved my OZ and was so proud of me in riding. He told me he rides with me when I ride. He can feel how happy and at peace it makes me.

The day the world lost him he was again shadowing his brother. His brother heard about a new bike rally on the skirts of Kansas City. It was Father's Day. His brother came home with the idea of a family picnic at the rally with everyone attending. Their dad thought it would be a nice Sunday afternoon to enjoy the sunny weather and see what this new bike rally was all about.

His brother owned a Harley with a side car. He climbed into the sidecar and his brother jump started the Harley. The rest of the family was going to follow in the car. The two young men took off a little early to get a good place for the family picnic. Traveling on the interstate, he marveled at his brother's mastery in handling the Harley. He took the curves with ease as they continued. Both were enjoying the wind in their hair, free and soaring just above the road. Coming around a curve, all of a sudden, in the split of a second a Kenworth type freight truck came barreling around the curve in their lane. The sound was deafening, the squeal of the brakes. Both men were thrown from the Harley and the side car. The truck had jackknifed the road.

His brother awoke to the sounds sirens. He was being loaded into the ambulance. The ambulance driver looked at his brother saying, "Son, what did you say his name was?" His brother knew he was gone. The ambulance driver said it was immediate he was killed upon impact. It was Father's Day, 1951.

His brother relived this day every year on that fateful day. The burden of guilt he carried was often overwhelming. Now with a family of four children and a wife, he had to continue living. He was never far from his brother's thoughts.

I think about him often, although I never got to meet him in real life. I have only met him in my dreams. When I close my eyes at night I secretly hope he will come to me in my dreams. I smile a little more now, knowing that when I ride, he is with me. I am told that I resemble him in many ways – inside and out. He was my Uncle Gene and his brother was my dad. I was born in December, 1955.

Introduction

2009-04-12T22:34:00.000-04:00

This will undoubtedly be an adventure for some. It is my goal to share my experiences as a biker and a registered dietitian. I am hoping to show the public that registered dietitians are just average people in society. I will be posting here often in hopes that there will be something of interest to many.

I will be sharing things like my reflections on my riding, my participation on Patriot Guard Rider missions, how I can intertwine my profession into my lifestyle of being a biker. I will also be sharing some of my writing of how I had the desire to ride a motorcycle, where that came from, and undoubtedly much more.

Steve Jobs said: “Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently - they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” It seems as if Steve Jobs is talking about me.

Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes paraphrasing Karen Larsen in "Breaking The Limit:"
Riding a motorcycle is a sensual, visceral, and immediate experience. It's a blast of air parting in an almost physical way around your body. It's the feel of heavy steel machinery between your thighs and knees as you move through turns, running a good road on a clear warm morning. It's the taste of wet grass, deep woods, damp riverbanks, and freshly cut hay that finds its way to the back of your throat. You know and experience what is around you and feel the vey sensation of motion itself, in a way that you never can behind the wheel of a car. In a car you drive a road, on a motorcycle you feel it. On a motorcycle every rise and dip, every change in surface or cant, every turn and straightway, is a temporal and physical experience. In a car you are enclosed, removed from what is without by the machinery that moves you. The windshield, the air conditioning, the heater, the radio, the upholstered cradle of your seat, the locked doors, the surrounding frame, they all separate you form the reality of the road and the weather. On a motorcycle the machine and the environment are an integral part of the experience. As you come home in the afternoon, the sun touches your shoulders with great warm hands. Somewhere in the middle of a long riding day - especially on curves, when lean and torgue, body and bike angle, gravity and speed, determine the physics and the line of movement - the machine becomes an extension of the body, a melding of what is human and what is mechanical. I have heard the criticisms and they are true: on a motorcycle you trade safety for sensation, enclosure for exhilaration. A steering wheel, an airbag, and a roll cage are, however, poor substitutes for the motion and the freedom of the motorcycle.