Written by admin on June 9, 2008 – 1:07 pm
Assistant Director Don Oldaker found these excellent riding tips on the Internet. Read and think about these and you’ll be a much safer rider. Close your eyes and recall your last ride in heavy traffic. Imagine the vehicles surrounding you, crowding you, cutting you off. Imagine yourself monitoring closing speeds, reading street signs, noticing and anticipating traffic [...]
Written by Dave Fisher on October 19, 2007 – 1:06 pm
I was motoring down Renfro Road the other day and began approaching the intersection of Brimhall Road. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this intersection, Renfro is a through road and Brimhall intersects into Renfro with a stop sign at a “T” intersection. Drivers on Brimhall Road must turn either north or south [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 28, 2006 – 12:28 pm
If you are new to motorcycling, someday as you become more comfortable in the saddle you will be about half way through a curve when you will hear a scraping noise which will be accompanied by a shuddering vibration through one of the footpegs/footboards.
If you are like most people, you will immediately get a [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 25, 2006 – 1:05 pm
Although it may seem like a group ride is little more than a game of follow the leader, nothing could be further from the truth. Riding safely in a group, whether it be 3 or 4 bikes, or 30 or 40 requires that each rider to pay attention to his or her own safety, and [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 24, 2006 – 1:04 pm
The basics of group riding are dealt with in the “New Member Information” section to the left. If you have never participated in our rides, but plan to, you should familiarize yourself with those basic rules beforehand. If it’s been awhile since you looked at them, they are worth reviewing. If you need another copy, [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 23, 2006 – 1:03 pm
I was talking with one of the Road Captains the other day about some of the recent motorcycle accidents involving members of this group, and he said something interesting. Whether it’s because they don’t want to feel embarrassed, or they’re worried they’ll be looked upon as “not cool,” a lot of newer riders not only [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 22, 2006 – 1:01 pm
“We” commonly blame “them” - (you know – those unenlightened people on four wheels) - for most of the serious accidents involving motorcycles because we think that “they” don’t pay attention and don’t see us.
Since it’s “our” lives on the line, I think “we” need to take a step back and re-evaluate our thinking in light of some [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 22, 2006 – 1:01 pm
Where do you look when riding? Do you focus on the car or bike in front of you? Are you looking for the next opening in traffic so you can quickly change lanes, and shave a few seconds off your travel time? Are you searching for an address, street sign or gas station? Checking out [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 21, 2006 – 12:59 pm
It’s no secret Bakersfield and the surrounding area is growing by leaps and bounds. There seems to be no way to avoid passing through areas where there is some level of residential or commercial construction. While building activity may be a good thing for many, it creates hazardous conditions for motorcyclists, especially as the wave [...]
Written by Don Oldaker on April 20, 2006 – 12:55 pm
In folklore, the devil lives at the crossroads.
According to legend, blues guitarist Robert Johnson went down to the crossroads and made a pact with Satan to trade his soul for extraordinary musical talents. Of course, the devil didn’t allow Johnson time to enjoy his success.
In motorcycling, a crossroads (or intersection) holds different dangers. According to [...]
