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Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Panic Stop!
Last week, I was on my way home from work at 3:00 am on my ST1300 motorcycle. At night I don't ride very fast, about 60mph.
There was an oncoming vehicle so I dimmed my high beams and slowed down some. I use Silverstars H4 bulbs, so my high beams are pretty bright. One of them had burnt out, so put a stock bulb back in. It still lights up the roadway nicely. Unfortunately, low beams are not as impressive.
As the approaching vehicle got closer I saw some shadows move in front or their headlights. Deer! Several of them!
I instantly gripped the tank with my knees and applied every bit of brakes I had available. My ST1300 does not have ABS, but the linked brake system can help even out unequally applied brake action.
I could see the deer clearly in my headlights now. They were moving, and not just standing in the roadway. This is good. Moving meant they wanted off the road as much as I wanted them off the road.
The front of the motorcycle dived sharply as I braked and I could feel the rear move a bit to the right, the back brake had locked up. I knew if the rear continued to slide I would lose any control I had if I did hit one of the deer. Linked brakes to the rescue, the rear straightened out on its own and I was almost stopped, the last deer (at least I think it was the last one) right in front of me, and it kept moving. I had missed them all!
Now passing the other vehicle, I immediately clicked the high beams back on. Clear road ahead.
After the danger had passed, I realized I had remained calm during the whole event. I didn't panic. Not at all! Afterwards there was no adrenaline rush, no anxiety, I was just analyzing my actions and evaluating what I did right, what I may have done wrong.
I practice my riding skills a lot. From low speed maneuvering to high speed cornering and "panic" stops. Not life or death panic stops like I had just experienced, but stopping quickly and maintaining control. And it worked in real life.
Practice does indeed make perfect. I'm not saying I did it perfect, but I plan on practicing some more. I believe all of the practice I have done in the past definitely paid off and was a major contributor to my calmness. If I had panicked, I might not have done all the right things in the right order.
The lesson here? Get some formal rider training, even if you have been riding for years. You can't get too much motorcycle riding skill. It could save you life.
There was an oncoming vehicle so I dimmed my high beams and slowed down some. I use Silverstars H4 bulbs, so my high beams are pretty bright. One of them had burnt out, so put a stock bulb back in. It still lights up the roadway nicely. Unfortunately, low beams are not as impressive.
As the approaching vehicle got closer I saw some shadows move in front or their headlights. Deer! Several of them!
I instantly gripped the tank with my knees and applied every bit of brakes I had available. My ST1300 does not have ABS, but the linked brake system can help even out unequally applied brake action.
I could see the deer clearly in my headlights now. They were moving, and not just standing in the roadway. This is good. Moving meant they wanted off the road as much as I wanted them off the road.
The front of the motorcycle dived sharply as I braked and I could feel the rear move a bit to the right, the back brake had locked up. I knew if the rear continued to slide I would lose any control I had if I did hit one of the deer. Linked brakes to the rescue, the rear straightened out on its own and I was almost stopped, the last deer (at least I think it was the last one) right in front of me, and it kept moving. I had missed them all!
Now passing the other vehicle, I immediately clicked the high beams back on. Clear road ahead.
After the danger had passed, I realized I had remained calm during the whole event. I didn't panic. Not at all! Afterwards there was no adrenaline rush, no anxiety, I was just analyzing my actions and evaluating what I did right, what I may have done wrong.
I practice my riding skills a lot. From low speed maneuvering to high speed cornering and "panic" stops. Not life or death panic stops like I had just experienced, but stopping quickly and maintaining control. And it worked in real life.
Practice does indeed make perfect. I'm not saying I did it perfect, but I plan on practicing some more. I believe all of the practice I have done in the past definitely paid off and was a major contributor to my calmness. If I had panicked, I might not have done all the right things in the right order.
The lesson here? Get some formal rider training, even if you have been riding for years. You can't get too much motorcycle riding skill. It could save you life.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
ATGATT, the required Sport-Touring Uniform?
I ride a Honda ST1300, and I don't go to motorcycle events/rallies.
As with any motorcycle, there is a certain demographic or "crowd" that typically ride these machines. And, as with any bike, there is often a "uniform" you are "expected" to wear if you ride this motorcycle. It's like riding a Harley without wearing leather and denim.
The crowd is often 60 something year old men, and the uniform is ATGATT. If you are unfamiliar, ATGATT is an acronym for "All The Gear All The Time", meaning helmet, armored jacket and pants, gloves, boots and often Hi-Vis colors.
I get so frustrated by the ATGATT crowd and yes, I have avoided events/rallies because because I don't fit in. Kind of like going to Sturgis on a Hello Kitty themed moped. Or an Atheist showing up at a missionary training center. I'll be told of the evil of my ways and why I should be more like them.
I live very close to Moonshine, IL. Moonshine is a mecca of sorts for all kinds of motorcyclists, including the sport-touring crowd. I have gotten some VERY evil and disgusted stares from other ST1300 riders at Moonshine because of my gear (or lack thereof).
I am a pro-choice rider. I wear gear when I want. I wear a jacket based on the weather. I wear a helmet based on where I'm riding, the kind of riding, and my general mood; of course weather factors in again. There is no helmet law where I live.
I'm not a squid. I've ridden well over 250,000 miles. I used to be a motorcycle safety instructor when I was in the military. I pride myself in my riding skills and my own methods of traffic management and accident avoidance. I am a safe rider.
Gear will not make a person a safer rider. It will only make them a more PROTECTED RIDER. I'm not saying I'm bulletproof and that an crash will never take me out. I focus on the safe rider part, instead of the protected rider bit. I minimize distractions, don't drive impaired, and watch my speed.
I don't need those guys who say I should do this and do that, because they think they know what's best for me. And that's the number one reason I will continue to avoid events.
Ride safe, ride free. I won't judge you by your choices.
As with any motorcycle, there is a certain demographic or "crowd" that typically ride these machines. And, as with any bike, there is often a "uniform" you are "expected" to wear if you ride this motorcycle. It's like riding a Harley without wearing leather and denim.
The crowd is often 60 something year old men, and the uniform is ATGATT. If you are unfamiliar, ATGATT is an acronym for "All The Gear All The Time", meaning helmet, armored jacket and pants, gloves, boots and often Hi-Vis colors.
I get so frustrated by the ATGATT crowd and yes, I have avoided events/rallies because because I don't fit in. Kind of like going to Sturgis on a Hello Kitty themed moped. Or an Atheist showing up at a missionary training center. I'll be told of the evil of my ways and why I should be more like them.
I live very close to Moonshine, IL. Moonshine is a mecca of sorts for all kinds of motorcyclists, including the sport-touring crowd. I have gotten some VERY evil and disgusted stares from other ST1300 riders at Moonshine because of my gear (or lack thereof).
I am a pro-choice rider. I wear gear when I want. I wear a jacket based on the weather. I wear a helmet based on where I'm riding, the kind of riding, and my general mood; of course weather factors in again. There is no helmet law where I live.
I'm not a squid. I've ridden well over 250,000 miles. I used to be a motorcycle safety instructor when I was in the military. I pride myself in my riding skills and my own methods of traffic management and accident avoidance. I am a safe rider.
Gear will not make a person a safer rider. It will only make them a more PROTECTED RIDER. I'm not saying I'm bulletproof and that an crash will never take me out. I focus on the safe rider part, instead of the protected rider bit. I minimize distractions, don't drive impaired, and watch my speed.
I don't need those guys who say I should do this and do that, because they think they know what's best for me. And that's the number one reason I will continue to avoid events.
Ride safe, ride free. I won't judge you by your choices.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Spring has sprung!
Temps are reaching into the low 70's (F) this week, which is rather warm for the middle of March. Still some cool and wet days and cold nights ahead, but the time has come to put the battery back in my Honda ST1300 and crank the starter. Sure enough, it starts without a hiccup. Add a dash of SeaFoam additive and some fresh gas and me and my bike are ready for a ride. Well, almost. My 14 year old grand daughter comes running out with her jacket on. So the two of us saddle up for a short ride to the gas station. Another short ride around town and its back into the garage for the night.
The next day is Monday and its raining but I know its gonna clear up. I bring the bike out of the garage and give it a quick wash and rinse job. Reset the clock and the stereo settings (because the battery had been out) . I aired up the tires yesterday so I don't have to do that today. I go in the house for a bite a lunch and I find my clean seat now has cat paw prints on it. I suppose even the cat is excited the bike is outside again. I gather the necessary things for work and off I go.
It's rather windy at first but I head north and now its just a tail wind. Turning the radio up and skipping a few songs to get to a favorite song on my flash drive that's plugged into the stereo, I just enjoy the ride. There's something about the first ride of the season that just feels so right.
The next day is Monday and its raining but I know its gonna clear up. I bring the bike out of the garage and give it a quick wash and rinse job. Reset the clock and the stereo settings (because the battery had been out) . I aired up the tires yesterday so I don't have to do that today. I go in the house for a bite a lunch and I find my clean seat now has cat paw prints on it. I suppose even the cat is excited the bike is outside again. I gather the necessary things for work and off I go.
It's rather windy at first but I head north and now its just a tail wind. Turning the radio up and skipping a few songs to get to a favorite song on my flash drive that's plugged into the stereo, I just enjoy the ride. There's something about the first ride of the season that just feels so right.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Southern Illinois: Ohio River Scenic Byway
It felt like summer, but it was the end of April. Temperatures forecasted to reach into the mid 80's all weekend, but the southerly winds were strong, and since I was heading south, I knew I would be fighting the wind all day. My trip starts from home in East Central Illinois, and I headed south on Illinois Rt. 1. I decided early to take a more scenic route, so as I wind along the some of the more familiar sections of road, I detour from time to time just to "see what's down that road".
At Norris City, IL, I make a left turn and continue to follow IL Rt. 1. The crosswinds hit me now and I nudge the electric windscreen up a bit to try and cut the turbulence. Fuel economy thus far has been below average, but still averaging about 36 mpg; in spite of the wind.
As I get closer to the end of IL Rt. 1, the terrain gets a little more interesting, with rolling hills and some sweeping curves. Then I find myself in the town of Cave In Rock, IL. I swing on down by the ferry landing to make sure the Ohio River is still there, then decide it's time to find a toilet. Back one block I find a diner with a handful of bikes: couple of GoldWings, a cruiser, and a 2005 ST1300 (just like mine). A toilet flush later and I'm chatting with these riders and find they are camping at Lake Glendale for the weekend. Looking at the decals on my bike and my T-shirt they ask about the Moonshine Lunch Run. They've never heard of it! I give 'em the GPS coordinates (it's on the sticker, I don't like GPS) and we saddle up. Some cross into Kentucky via the ferry, while a few others head West. My 7.7 gal fuel tank on the ST1300 is far from empty to I head west also on the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
I catch up with some of them a few miles along and we come upon a large car wreck, 3 or 4 cars involved in a rear-end collision with a "Rides Mass Transit" mini bus. Coupla ambulances still there but mostly they were cleaning up the crash area. I didn't see any motorcycles involved.
At Golconda, IL I part company with those guys as they head towards Glendale and I take the Scenic Spur that goes along the levee and overlooks the Ohio River.
Golconda, IL
Back on the Ohio River Scenic Byway now I came to a startling realization: this road is a GEM!! I've lived a good portion of my life in Southern Illinois but never been on this road. It's wonderfully smooth and super-black asphalt twists and winds through beautiful countryside, and glimpses of the Ohio River are seen to my left. It seems I'm the only one on this road, I think I saw less than 10 cars for about 45 minutes.
I pass through Bay City, IL and see the General Store where some scenes from "U.S. Marshalls" were filmed, and plan to stop there the next time. Cruising along I almosts missed New Liberty and before I knew it, I was at IL Rt. 45 in Brookport. Brookport has a steel deck bridge crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky but unless you are a motorcyclist with nerves of steel, I don't recommend you cross it. The grate is wide enough you can drop a soda can through it! It's been several years since I have crossed it on a motorcycle, so I pass on it and head into Metropolis, the home of Superman, and my hometown also. I grew up in Metropolis and I'm visiting my Aunt and helping her with some projects around the house this weekend.
I get back on the road Sunday to head north toward home. The wind is still strong, but now its at my back, and it's smooth sailing. Fuel economy moves up to about 45 mpg with the tail wind and it's a beautiful day again. Along IL 145 I see that someone has heard of me and dedicated a road in my honor...
As I zip along more familiar roads on the way home and listening to some great music on the bike's radio I keep thinking that if all rides were a good as this one, it's going to be a great summer!
At Norris City, IL, I make a left turn and continue to follow IL Rt. 1. The crosswinds hit me now and I nudge the electric windscreen up a bit to try and cut the turbulence. Fuel economy thus far has been below average, but still averaging about 36 mpg; in spite of the wind.
Cave in Rock Ferry Landing
As I get closer to the end of IL Rt. 1, the terrain gets a little more interesting, with rolling hills and some sweeping curves. Then I find myself in the town of Cave In Rock, IL. I swing on down by the ferry landing to make sure the Ohio River is still there, then decide it's time to find a toilet. Back one block I find a diner with a handful of bikes: couple of GoldWings, a cruiser, and a 2005 ST1300 (just like mine). A toilet flush later and I'm chatting with these riders and find they are camping at Lake Glendale for the weekend. Looking at the decals on my bike and my T-shirt they ask about the Moonshine Lunch Run. They've never heard of it! I give 'em the GPS coordinates (it's on the sticker, I don't like GPS) and we saddle up. Some cross into Kentucky via the ferry, while a few others head West. My 7.7 gal fuel tank on the ST1300 is far from empty to I head west also on the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
I catch up with some of them a few miles along and we come upon a large car wreck, 3 or 4 cars involved in a rear-end collision with a "Rides Mass Transit" mini bus. Coupla ambulances still there but mostly they were cleaning up the crash area. I didn't see any motorcycles involved.
At Golconda, IL I part company with those guys as they head towards Glendale and I take the Scenic Spur that goes along the levee and overlooks the Ohio River.
Golconda, IL
Back on the Ohio River Scenic Byway now I came to a startling realization: this road is a GEM!! I've lived a good portion of my life in Southern Illinois but never been on this road. It's wonderfully smooth and super-black asphalt twists and winds through beautiful countryside, and glimpses of the Ohio River are seen to my left. It seems I'm the only one on this road, I think I saw less than 10 cars for about 45 minutes.
I pass through Bay City, IL and see the General Store where some scenes from "U.S. Marshalls" were filmed, and plan to stop there the next time. Cruising along I almosts missed New Liberty and before I knew it, I was at IL Rt. 45 in Brookport. Brookport has a steel deck bridge crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky but unless you are a motorcyclist with nerves of steel, I don't recommend you cross it. The grate is wide enough you can drop a soda can through it! It's been several years since I have crossed it on a motorcycle, so I pass on it and head into Metropolis, the home of Superman, and my hometown also. I grew up in Metropolis and I'm visiting my Aunt and helping her with some projects around the house this weekend.
I get back on the road Sunday to head north toward home. The wind is still strong, but now its at my back, and it's smooth sailing. Fuel economy moves up to about 45 mpg with the tail wind and it's a beautiful day again. Along IL 145 I see that someone has heard of me and dedicated a road in my honor...
"My" road.
As I zip along more familiar roads on the way home and listening to some great music on the bike's radio I keep thinking that if all rides were a good as this one, it's going to be a great summer!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2009: Winter is almost over.
Some warm days in March and I'm ready to ride. Almost. Bike won't start, battery is dead. I charged it for a while on the trickle charger, it started. Next day, dead. So I charged it overnight, took the battery to AutoZone and O'Reilly's, they load tested and said it should be fine. So I'm keeping a close eye on the battery voltage for now.
If that's not all, now my thermostat aparently is sticking open, because the temp gage doesn't go up to full operating temp. So I got one ordered, and not looking forward to all of the disassembly needed to get to the thermostat. Radiator and fairing parts have to come off...yay. Will do that task in the near future.
On a lighter note (pun), I replaced my OEM headlight bulbs with Sylvania SilverStars, 9003 H4. I did the minor mod of clipping off two tabs so they will fit into the ST1300 headlight assy. All went well, and last night I discovered they were worth the $38. Very bright!
Also added a couple of LED pods to a fairing vent for some accent lighting.
If that's not all, now my thermostat aparently is sticking open, because the temp gage doesn't go up to full operating temp. So I got one ordered, and not looking forward to all of the disassembly needed to get to the thermostat. Radiator and fairing parts have to come off...yay. Will do that task in the near future.
On a lighter note (pun), I replaced my OEM headlight bulbs with Sylvania SilverStars, 9003 H4. I did the minor mod of clipping off two tabs so they will fit into the ST1300 headlight assy. All went well, and last night I discovered they were worth the $38. Very bright!
Also added a couple of LED pods to a fairing vent for some accent lighting.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
How I found my ST1300
2006 brought a renewed interest in motorcycles. I started shopping around, looking at used touring bikes, checked out a 2005 Kawasaki Concours, and some others. Back in the early 90's, I met a guy down in the Smoky Mtns who was riding a Honda ST1100. I thought that bike was slick, so 13 or so years later, a Honda ST was still of interest to me. I liked the idea of a sporty yet functional touring bike. My financial situation improved, and an ST took over from the Connie and other bikes I was looking at. After shopping around at several dealers, and shopping online at CycleTrader and Ebay, I found a NEW 2005 Honda ST1300 (with ZERO miles) at a dealer near the Air Force Base I used to be stationed at in Indiana. So on the coldest day so far in December 2006, I went to pick up my new ride. It was snowing, so I elected to trailer it back, as I no longer had any suitable riding gear.
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