Hello everyone, hope your riding season is going well. As more and more bikes are getting out and about and bike nights are happening, I thought it would be nice to once again go over some safety tips for bikes and cars.
1. Never ride without a motorcycle license. In the U.S., you are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement in addition to a driver's license to legally ride a motorcycle. Regulations vary by state, with some also requiring riders to pass a State-sponsored education course. Taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) riding course can increase your skill as a motorcyclist and better prepare you to make emergency maneuvers when necessary. In some cases, passing an MSF course can lower your insurance costs and streamline the application process for a motorcycle license. Some courses are free.
2. Always wear an adequate helmet. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury and death in the event of an accident. In some states, wearing a helmet is mandatory for some or all riders. You should wear a helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, even for short journeys. When buying a new helmet, make sure it meets the safety standards approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Approved helmets will display the DOT symbol (either painted or as a sticker), usually on the outside back of the helmet.
3. Check your bike before you ride. Before every ride, do a quick check to make sure your bike is fit for the road. This includes checking that the tires are properly inflated and not worn down, and that everything is in working order, particularly the brakes. If you spot signs of a fluid or oil leak beneath the bike, or other signs of damage or overuse, don't risk riding it. Adjust your bike's suspension and tires every time you intend to carry a passenger or a load that's heavier than normal.
4. Sit down and hold tight. Sit in the center of the seat, keeping both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling. If you have a passenger who is inexperienced in riding a motorcycle, explain safety measures to them before they ride.
5. Obey traffic laws and be aware of other vehicles.
6. Watch for damaged roads and obstacles.
Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
For those of you who are in vehicles please look twice before you turn or pull out. NEVER think well I can beat them out, that is one of the reason cars and bike hit. Listen for motorcycles, watch when changing lanes. Put Away Your Phone. Give Motorcyclists Extra Space. It's common to misjudge the speed and distance of a motorcycle compared to a car. Always give bikes an extra cushion to prevent rear-ending them if you have to come to a quick stop. While a collision may just be a fender bender to a car, it could kill a motorcyclist.
Let’s all stay safe. Happy Riding!
Local Events:
1. Rod Runs April 18th – 20th Pigeon Forge
2. 1st Annual Stoners Ball April 19th – 20th Maggie Valley NC
3. WJ’s Spring Bike Show April 20th 11am
4. Biker wear 10th Anniversary May 1st at Wild Wing Café 7pm Below 7 Live
5. Kicking It for Kim Benefit Concert May 4th at 19E Pit Stop 4pm to????
6. Dirt Drags at Boozy Creek May 10th – 12th
7. Black Jacket Symphony Martin Carte Center ETSU may 17th
8. Iris Festival Greeneville, TN May 18th & 19th
Bike Nights:
Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop Elizabethton, TN
Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW
Thursday: Darrell Waltrip Bristol, VA
Friday: Tulips Johnson City, TN
Rides:
1. Triple T Poker Run Meet Peacemakers April 27th 10:30am at Jonesborough VFW KSU Noon
2. Spring Kickoff Ride for the Senior Citizen Center April 27th Registration 9:30am KSU 10:30am start at Wrecking Crew Harley Davidson Hosted by Appalachian Warriors
3. Kicking It for Kim May 4th Chaotic Crew Clubhouse Meet 10:30am KSU 12 noon
Bike Rallies:
1. Tallahassee Bike Fest April 11th – 14th Tallahassee, FLA
2. Thunder Beach Spring Rally May 1st to 5th
3. Route 66 Bike Stock May 2nd – 5th Depew, OK
4. Myrtle Beach Spring Rally May 10th – 19th
FULL MOONS OF 2024
1. Pink Moon on Tuesday, April 23 - 7:51 pm
2. Flower Moon on Thursday, May 23 - 9:55 am
3. Strawberry Moon on Friday, June 21 - 9:10 pm
4. Buck Moon on Sunday, July 21 - 6:19 am
5. Sturgeon Moon on Monday, August 19 - 2:28 pm
6. Harvest Moon on Wednesday September 18 - 10:36 pm
7. Hunters Moon on Thursday October 17 -7:27 am
8. Beaver Moon on Friday November 15 - 4:29 pm
9. Cold Moon on Sunday December 15 - 4:02 am
Useless Facts:
1. Cats have a genetic defect, because of which they can’t taste sweet things.
2. If your nose is shut, you won’t be able to tell the difference between an apple, a potato, and an onion.
3. Human kidney stones are just human pearls
4. Kissing someone while they are asleep is the purest form of love unless you are in prison
5. There is a McDonald’s in every continent except Antarctica.