I thought this month I would do something different. Instead of telling you how to be safe and avoid dumping your bike, I thought I’d give you some pointers on how to dump your bike. Maybe if you know how, you’ll think to avoid these things when they creep up. So here they are, 25 ways on how to dump your bike!!! Now, let me keep you informed. I stole these from an article of 128 ways to dump you bike but I don’t think we need that much education. Take a look, some of these are funny.

Putting your foot into a hole when stopping 2 Putting your foot down on something slippery when stopping. 3 Locking the front wheel during overenthusiastic braking. 4 Missing the driveway and sliding on the grass. 5 Not putting the kickstand down when getting off. 6 Make a turn from stop in gravel or sand at high throttle. 7 Not putting a board (‘foot’)under the kickstand on asphalt on a hot day. 8 Letting overenthusiastic people sit on your bike who have never been on a bike. 9 Forgetting the bike’s in gear when you jump on the kickstarter. 10 Revving the engine, releasing clutch, and putting feet on pegs when the light turns green, but the bike’s in neutral. 11 Not putting your foot down when stopping at red light. 12 Losing balance when putting it on the centerstand. 13 Take an hour ride in 30 degree weather with no gloves, stop at a stop sign and pop the clutch when you start because you’ve lost feeling in your hands. 14 Putting your foot down at a toll booth on the thick layer of grease that builds up when cars stop. 15 Using too much power when you pull out of a greasy toll booth. 16 Ignoring the sand that builds up in the spring at the side of the road (in places where roads are sanded and salted in inter.) 17 Kicking your kickstand in a cool fashion and having it bounce back up instead of staying down. 18 Getting off your bike while it is running and forgetting that is in gear. 19 Trying to kick start your first bike over and over because you didn’t realize that it was really out of fuel, and getting the goofy metal ring on the side of your boot caught in the kickstarter, causing you (and the bike) to go over on the right side. 20 Starting your brand-new electric-start trail-bike, riding around an ornamental shrub on full left lock, throwing it to the right and accelerating to wheelie over the curb onto the street and _then_ discovering that you hadn’t unlocked the steering-lock… 21 On same bike, getting the dual-range lever caught inside your jeans as you come to a stop… 22 Having your boot/jeans catch the gear-lever and putting your running bike into first gear whilst reaching for the side-stand (which is why I now automatically pull in the clutch whenever deploying or retracting the stand.) 23 Having “green” racing linings which have much higher coefficient of friction on the slight rust that forms on the polished drum when you’ve not ridden for a few hours, and lose the front-end holding the brakes on against the throttle to wear off the rust. 24 Having a three-cylinder two-stroke that’s so smooth you think you’re in second when you’re actually in first, so you spin out when the undercarriage touches down in a tight corner passing a car and you think, “just a bit more throttle will help here…” 25 Revving bike in impressive squidly fashion at red light, thinking it’s in neutral; dropping clutch and standing in place while bike wheelies and backflips into intersection.

Don’t forget, the hot weather is just around the corner. Take plenty of water and sports drinks to keep well hydrated. Plan on a quart for every hour you’re out riding. A note here, beer actually forces your body to expel water (like we didn’t know that already!!!)

As always, ride safe and ride often…

Dave Fisher, Safety Officer

TAKE IT EASY RIDE

One year ago many were considering doing a 1,000 mile ride in 24-hours. Through curiosity, planning, preparation and hard work more than 20 riders from Bakersfield HOG succeeded in accomplishing their goal. Originally the plan was to go to Phoenix and back, but that was changed. Some riders went to Ely, Nevada; some went to Weed, California. All Iron Butters, (sounds like a candy bar) were successful in their efforts. I am proud of those who made the effort. Unless one has completed this goal, they have no idea of the fullness and satisfaction that comes from a full day in the saddle. Coming home dirty, sore, worn out from riding their iron horse, yet inspired by their accomplishment, is rewarding. If you talk to any of the riders from last year about their ride, you will notice an immediate smile. To see what Bob Parsons at Go Daddy has to say visit:

http://www.bobparsons.me/video/214/how-grow-steel-balls-even-re-woman.html?isc=gdbb1437

The tentative plan this year is to go to Winslow, Arizona. It will be around 544 miles with elevations ranging from 348’ to 7,328’. Plan on bringing a warm coat as temperatures will range from 45 to 110. It ought to be a pleasant trip with the temperature hitting around 90 as we roll into Needles and then cooling down as we gain elevation. The route will be Bakersfield to Barstow then catching I-40 through Needles, Kingman and Flagstaff with the turnaround in Winslow, Arizona. It will be a little warmer in Needles as we return, but again will cool down as we head west and gain elevation. We will be going right by Mother Road Harley-Davidson in Kingman and Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson in Bellemont, Arizona. Some may want to make it a two-day trip with a stop at the Grand Canyon. Based on the weather this destination could change. Please check the Bakersfield HOG website for any updates.

Contemplating traveling 1,000 miles in 24 hours on a motorcycle causes the reader to have one of two reactions. How would I do that? Or, NO WAY!!! One has no trouble grasping the idea of climbing into a cylindrical object, much like a roll of toilet paper, sitting down and being hurled through the atmosphere to travel 1,000 miles, but the idea of going outside to your driveway, sitting down on a magical chair and spending the day observing the sunrise, smells, sights and experiences that will be remembered the rest of one’s life is foreign to most.

As with all great things, the trigger that causes success in any endeavor is curiosity. I salute you for reading this far because once you become curious the wheels start turning and the question gnaws in your mind until the answer unfolds. Last year curiosity caused one rider to complete 1,500 miles in less than 36 hours and another to complete 1,536 miles in less than 24 hours.

Also required in the success of any mission is planning. Hopefully this article will arouse your curiosity and provide a blueprint for your magic carpet ride. Thorough planning for this ride will leave one with a joyous expectation of the ride with successful results. Poor planning will yield frustration, anger, and quite possibly death. Now that we have covered the disclaimers, let’s get on with eating the elephant.

Let’s break down the ride a little; the first part is going 544 miles. The second part is coming back. Let’s look at the first half. Assuming one’s tank has a range of at least 182 miles, one starts with a full tank and burns that off. They stop, fuel, and burn that tank off. Then they fuel again and burn that tank off. Presto you have just completed your five hundred 44 miles! So the question is can you ride 182 Miles? Can you do it three times? If your tank has a range of 130 miles you would fill it three times after you start.

There will never be any external pressure from anyone else to make you succeed. So travel the first tank, see how you feel, fill it up and burn off the second tank. If you are feeling good, fill it up and continue on. With victory in sight, this decision to continue after filling here will be the critical one. Knowing that you will succeed after burning off the third tank is gratifying. Some may say; but what about the other 544 miles? Well, you made it here didn’t you? This is the Iron Butt, not the Delano taco run. Quit your belly-aching and go home.

That is the entire psychology of eating this elephant. Leave with a full tank, fill up twice more, and then go home. That is all there is to it. Can you do that? Sounds simple doesn’t it? But there are a few other things we need to consider. The first is time. Let’s look at how time affects the ride. Assuming one was to average 65 mph one would have seat time of 16.73 hours. (1,088 / 65 mph = 16.73 hours) If one averages 75 mph one will have seat time of 14.50 hours. If one averages 80 mph they will have seat time of 13.6 hours. We will be leaving at 5:00 A.M. add your choice of the above times and that theoretically will be the time you get home. This does not include any time for fueling, eating, or potty breaks. It is better to travel constantly at your comfortable speed and minimize the time spent on stops rather than go like the devil and have poor stop management. This increases fuel usage which causes one to stop more often, wasting more time. One has to balance the needs of the bike with the needs of the rider. Ideally it would be most efficient to fuel, intake nourishment and liquids while relieving themselves, all at the same time. Hopefully your planning will not demand such desperation.

Since we know the bike will need to stop at certain intervals, it will be most efficient if the rider can time their needs to correspond with the needs of the bike. The primary way to do this is through fluid intake management. Unless you have a catheter installed, you will need to stay hydrated while yet being able to wait until the next fuel stop to relieve yourself. Remember every second that is not spent moving is a second longer it will take to get home. Careless attention to stop management will destroy your ride.

Sometimes our mind will confuse dehydration, fatigue and hunger. The first sign of dehydration is fatigue. The effects of dehydration include fatigue, thirst, irritability, general discomfort, headache, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, head or neck heat sensations, nausea, chills, cramping, extremely dry mouth, lips and/or throat, high heart rate, clammy skin or dry skin crusted with dried sweat and a decrease in performance. When one’s brain suffers from poor hydration, mental fogginess, poor short term memory, dizziness, severe headaches and poor balance results. The lack of fluids in your system can also be very detrimental to decision making. When you become dehydrated, your body loses more water than it takes in. Even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Far more serious is hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching your tissues. If untreated, severe hypovolemic shock can cause death within a few minutes or hours. Communicate and watch out for symptoms of dehydration and fatigue in other riders. It is better to stop and take a little longer to rest and hydrate now rather than have to wait for an ambulance or attend a funeral. Early in the ride is the greatest opportunity to make time. While in no way advocating one break the speed limit, early in the morning is an opportune time to eat up the miles. There probably will be a slight tailwind heading east and a headwind on the return run. The head wind will cause additional fatigue as well as decrease your mileage. Expect it and adjust accordingly. Expect it to take longer on the return.     As you travel east note fuel stations that are not your designated stops. You may need them on your return run. Remember the sun will be in your face both ways and it is brutal combined with the wind from punching a hole through 1,000 miles of air. Travel at your comfortable cruising speed.   Although we will be leaving at the same time it is imperative that we do not have 40 bikes traveling and stopping together. If we were all to stop for gas at the same time and location it would take an hour for all of us to fuel and use the restroom. Because of tank and bladder differences, we may have 40 riders traveling the same direction but we will each have our own ride plan. As the day progresses there will be times when we pass each other and perhaps there will be times when we are traveling alone. Enjoy the freedom of being able to choose how you execute your plan. Some riders will spend an hour for lunch. Join them if that is in your plan as well. Some may be planning on making it a two-day trip. You do not want to be riding with them if you are planning to do this in one day. Some may be trying to do 1,500 miles in 24 hours. Do not be intimidated or influenced by the behavior of others. Remember the tortoise and the hare. Stick to your plan. If you are planning on having your ride certified by the IRON BUTT ASSOCIATION please go to http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocID=1.  Here you will find the rules and requirements to qualify for the Saddle Sore 1,000. The gas receipt showing the time, date and address of your first gas purchase is the official starting time and address from which your ride will be measured. The official starting point address for those certifying their ride is the Shell station east of BHD at 35238 7th Standard Rd, Bakersfield, California. The tentative plan this year is to go to Winslow, Arizona. The 544.8-mile turnaround point will be at the Chevron station, 2001 N. Park Drive, Winslow, Arizona. For more information on the IRON BUTT ASSOCIATION please go to http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm The most important thing you can do to insure this will be an enjoyable adventure is to develop a plan, in writing, that allows for contingencies. Start by determining what the range of the tank on your bike is and go from there. In your plan include a realistic time schedule for the entire day including stops. This will help keep you on track. If you see you are falling behind schedule relax and adjust your schedule. This trip is not worth your life. Go to the Harley Davidson ride planner website to develop your plan.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Ride_Planner/Ride_Planner.jsp?locale=en_US

Once you are at the map hit the fuel symbol at the top of the page and the Shell stations will be displayed on the map. To find Chevron station locations go to http://www.chevron.com/products/ourStations/stationfinder/

Expect your plan to change as the day wears on and prepare for contingencies such as a flat, mechanical trouble and a motel should you decide to call it a day. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRIP UNLESS YOU HAVE SOME TYPE OF ROAD SERVICE PLAN. Have emergency contact numbers with you and carry a cell phone. Take at least a gallon of water. Eat a hearty dinner on Thursday and eat a light dinner on Friday. For additional tips go to http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm

On Saturday, June 19, 2010, at 5:00 AM, riders will sign in with Ben Patten at the Shell station east of BHD. Please hand Ben any required releases as well as the name, phone number and address of the person you would like to have notified in case of an emergency. When you check in Ben will provide you with his cell phone number and record your odometer reading, cell phone number and the time you leave. Call Ben when you reach your turnaround point, where ever that may be, and provide your odometer reading. Call Ben again when you arrive home with your odometer reading.

June 19, 2010 will come and go. You will spend those 24 hours doing something. Why not invest that time creating memories that will boost your confidence and bring a smile to your face every time you think about them?

I am anxiously counting the days and looking forward to this adventure. This is so addictive you will want to do it over and over and over again! Break those imaginary shackles, feel alive like never before, come ride with us. This is going to be fun!!!

Ride far. Ride fast.

Charlie Klint

It’s simple…it’s called “Preventive Maintenance.” We all know by now that every time the time changes here in California, we should change the batteries in our smoke detectors. I do because invariably, the battery goes out at 3am and starts chirping. To make matters worse, it’s always the smoke detector in the living room on the 14’ ceiling!!!

I’ve decided to take this concept over to the preventive maintenance I do on my Harley. I have a second job and payday for that job is on the 15th of each month. Since this is my “fun money” job, I’m usually looking forward to the 15th because there’s always something I want to buy!

Since the 15th is easily remembered for me, I’m going to make it a point to take an hour or two and go over all those little details on the bike that make life much easier when they work. Here’s some of the things I will be looking for…

Tire Pressure: With all the temperature changes, it’s a good idea to watch that tire pressure. This is one of those items that need constant checking to ensure your safety while on the bike.

Oil Level: You really should get in the habit of checking this every other time you fill your gas tank. If you’re like me, I know I don’t burn oil but I check it anyways cuz it’s pretty important.

Radiator Fluid: Oops…wrong vehicle!!! Just making sure you’re paying attention!

Brake Fluid: Probably don’t need to check it too often but keep an eye on it. Remember, you have two cylinders with fluid. Make sure you use the proper fluid as noted in your maintenance manual.

Miscellaneous nuts and bolts: You don’t need me to tell you but these things vibrate a lot. Carry some common sizes of wrenches (7/16, 1/2, 9/16, ect.) as you crawl around your ride and give a check to all those little nuts and bolts that keep it together. You’d be surprised how some of them loosen up!!!

Cables: Some new bikes don’t have as many but it’s always a good idea to lube the clutch and throttle cables if you have them. I loosen the clutch (opposite of tightening it) and spray some good quality lubricant and let it run down the cable. Do the same with the throttle cables and they will last a lot longer.

While you’re doing this, keep your eyes open for anything that “just doesn’t look right.” If you have a question, take your ride to our Sponsors, Bakersfield Harley Davidson and check with the Service Manager, Rob. Rob has been around a few bikes and knows what “looks right” and what “looks wrong.” At least you will become more familiar with your motorcycle or you’ll avert a potential problem before it leaves you stranded on the road.

One last thing before I close…it’s going to get hot pretty soon. Don’t rely on someone else to bring you some water on your ventures out into the country. Make sure you bring plenty of water and even a snack or two on those treks to the coast or up into the mountains. I learned a long time ago to pack for the worst case scenario so it won’t happen!

See you at the next HOG event…Don’t forget, Casa De Fruta is coming up soon. Check out the flyer in this newsletter and rest up for the first weekend in June. Flyers are also available at Bakersfield Harley Davidson. Hope to see you there.

AS ALWAYS…RIDE SAFE…

DAVE FISHER

SAFETY OFFICER

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One year ago, many of you were considering doing a 1,000 mile ride in 24-hours. Through curiosity, planning, preparation and hard work more than 20 riders from Bakersfield HOG succeeded in accomplishing their goal. Originally the plan was to go to Phoenix and back but that was changed. Some riders went to Ely, Nevada some went to Weed, California. All Iron Butters, sounds like a candy bar, were successful in their efforts. I am proud of those who made the effort. Unless one has completed this goal they have no idea of the fullness and satisfaction that comes from a full day in the saddle. Coming home dirty, sore, worn out, yet inspired by your accomplishment, is so rewarding.

The tentative plan this year is to go to Winslow, Arizona. It will be around 540 miles with elevations ranging from 348’ to 7,328’. Plan on bringing a warm coat as temperatures will range from 45 to 110. It ought to be a pleasant trip with the temperature hitting around 90 as we roll into Needles and then cooling down as we gain elevation. The route will be Bakersfield to Barstow then catching I-40 through Needles, Kingman and Flagstaff with the turnaround in Winslow, Arizona. It will be a little warmer in Needles as we return but again will cool down as we head west and gain elevation. We will be going right by Mother Road Harley-Davidson in Kingman and Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson in Bellemont. Some may want to make it a two day trip with a stop at the Grand Canyon.

Come join an elite group of riders who have no need to brag but instead have the quiet confidence of experience. Iron Butt members wear your patch to the next regular meeting and inspire riders who are considering joining us on this adventure with your stories. More details will be available in the next HOG log.

Ride far. Ride fast.

Charlie Klint

Route Map:
http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/share/191155

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Reserve your spot now!! Check our the flyer for more information.

Casa de Fruita Run – 2010 (Fyer)

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http://www.msf-usa.org/riderperception/

Even a little fog won’t stop Bakersfield HOG from riding and having fun!

Fog is a normal part of the winters in the Southern Valley. With good safety practices and a little help from our Chaplain, 43 bikes made it safely to our destination in McKittrick. Our friends at the Penny Bar welcomed us with their unique atmosphere and good food. It all made for a great ride.