Tag Archives: riding in the rain

Hypothermia – Know the risk

Hypothermia is a condition in which a person’s body temperature drops below normal, causing discomfort and even life-threatening consequences. This condition is especially dangerous for motorcycle riders who are exposed to the elements while riding. Wet clothing can quickly pull heat away from the body and can lead to hypothermia in cold and wet weather conditions. Motorcycle rain gear can help.

Hypothermia Symptoms

Hypothermia symptoms can start with shivering, fatigue, and confusion, and if left unchecked, can progress to unconsciousness and potentially even death. These symptoms can greatly impair a rider’s ability to control their motorcycle and increase the risk of accidents.

Motorcycle Rain Suits vs Hypothermia

Alpinestar’s Hurricane

Investing in proper motorcycle rain gear is crucial for preventing hypothermia. Rain gear is designed to provide a barrier between the rider and the elements, helping to maintain a safe body temperature. The waterproof material and insulation in motorcycle rain gear can keep the rider dry and warm, even in cold and wet weather conditions. This allows riders to focus on the road ahead and reduces the risk of accidents caused by hypothermia-related impairments.

And More Visibility

In addition to protecting against hypothermia, rain gear also offers increased visibility and protection from other elements, such as wind and cold temperatures. Many brands also offer stylish and functional rain gear, allowing riders to make a statement while still staying protected.

For all of this and more, motorcycle rain gear is an essential piece of equipment for any motorcycle rider. It offers protection from the elements, increased visibility, and comfort while riding. Investing in proper motorcycle rain gear can greatly reduce the risk of hypothermia and keep riders safe and comfortable on the road. Don’t let hypothermia or other weather-related hazards ruin your motorcycle experience, make sure you’re protected with a quality motorcycle rain suit, boots and gloves.

Motorcycle rain suit – an essential investment

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and liberating experience, but it can also be dangerous. Weather conditions, such as rain, can have a significant impact on a rider’s safety. This is why it is essential for motorcycle riders to invest in proper motorcycle rain gear. In this post, I want to discuss the importance of motorcycle rain gear (a motorcycle rain suit, boots and gloves).

Nelson Rigg Stormrider

First and foremost, motorcycle rain gear is designed to keep the rider dry and comfortable. This is crucial because riding in the rain can be uncomfortable and even hazardous if the rider is not properly protected. Wet clothing can lead to hypothermia and make it difficult to maintain control of the motorcycle. Wearing a waterproof motorcycle rain suit, boots and gloves will keep you dry and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the road ahead.

Another important benefit of motorcycle rain gear is increased visibility. Rain can greatly reduce visibility, making it difficult for other drivers to see you. A motorcycle rain suit typically has reflective materials that help make you more visible to other drivers. This can greatly reduce the risk of accidents, especially in low-light conditions.

Additionally, motorcycle rain gear offers protection from the elements. Rain, wind, and cold temperatures can all be harmful to the rider. Motorcycle rain gear is designed to provide protection from these elements, keeping you warm and dry no matter what the weather is like outside.

Finally, motorcycle rain gear can also be a fashion statement. Many brands offer stylish and functional rain gear, allowing you to make a statement while still staying protected. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personality and style.

Motorcycle rain gear is a crucial piece of equipment for any motorcycle rider. It offers protection from the elements, increased visibility, and comfort while riding. Investing in proper motorcycle rain gear is an investment in your safety and well-being while riding. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, make sure to always wear motorcycle rain gear when riding in wet conditions.

3 Things that make cold-weather riding safer and more comfortable

Winter motorcycle riding gearDriving.ca gives us a new look at foul weather riding, whether that’s riding a motorcycle in the rain or snow.  We can assume that our friends to the north know how to foul-weather ride to extend the motorcycle season.  Their three recommendations for improving your winter weather gear and for riding a motorcycle in the rain or snow:

Electric Gloves

Keep the sting of winter wind off your fingers with electric gloves; not as bulky as many winter riding gauntlet-style gloves giving you more flexibility and control while staying warm.

Laser Beam Lights

Improve sight-lines and overall visibility with high-powered laser beam lights.

Winter Tires

Not all tires are created equally, especially standard racing or street tires that can harden and turn slick in the lingering cold of spring.  Find tires designed for the cooler part of the season.


Some good advice as we get on the road here in early spring.

Want to look at some of our other recommendations?  Jump here…

Find the original article here: Go to Source
Author: David Booth

A motorcycle ride for the ‘Rev.’

According to Monroe Patch, a bike ride benefiting the daughter of a late firefighter ended at Lake Zoar Drive-In in Monroe.

The event took place on  a drizzly Sunday in Monroe. Rows of bikes were parked outside the Lake Zoar Drive-In on Route 34 and men wearing Red Knights jackets listened to live music. The motorcycle riding association of firefighters had just completed an 80-mile ride to benefit the daughter of the late firefighter Jimmy “Rev.” Bonazzo of Trumbull, who lost his battle with cancer last September.

The goal of is to raise money for Bonazzo’s daughter, Neve, 13, to go to college when she’s older.

The Red Knights often raise money for charity and have held events for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Spooner House.

23 Red Knights ride a motorcycle in the rain last Sunday, each making a donation to participate. Shirley, Bonazzo’s wife of 13 years, and Neve greeted the Red Knights at Lake Zoar Drive-In after the ride.

To read the original post, click HERE.

The 90th Laconia Motorcycle Week Review

Motorcycle USA traveled to Laconia Motorcycle Week for its 90th anniversary with great expectations. It’s the oldest motorcycle rally in America. While record numbers were anticipated, attendance was down compared to last year’s event due to the bad weather. But there was still plenty of fun at this year’s rally for those that braved the inclement weather.

motorcycle week

One positive affect of the less-than-expected attendance numbers was the fact that rally goers apparently were on their best behavior. The Laconia Daily Sun reported that there were only 51 arrests at this year’s rally with the majority of those being cases of public intoxication.Traffic accidents seemed far and few between too.

Sponsored by the US Classic Racing Association, the vintage motorcycle race was a blast to watch with rustic racers dashing around New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The next day the heavens opened up and rain poured down but it didn’t stop us from riding a motorcycle in the rain to visit the Mustang Seats and tour the factory.

Mid-week was scheduled for the annual hill climbs, which is always one of the biggest events of the rally.

We started Thursday off with a little riding around Lake Winnepesaukee. Most rally events center on the lake that seems to be around every corner. Our ride ended at Weirs Beach and the Lobster Pound, where we stopped by to check out the action at the biker build-off.

And even though a slight drizzle was coming down the day of the annual Nazkini Contest, the girls braved the elements for a chance to walk home with a share of the prize money.

The day we left the 90th anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week was the warmest, clearest day yet. But we still enjoyed the glorious sunshine on our 350-mile ride back to Lebanon, New Jersey, to return the Victory Cross Country Tour to the guys at Rollin’ Fast.

Even though the 90th fell short in attendance numbers, it meant less congestion for those who did attend, and the chance to ride around New Hampshire’s White Mountains is always a treat.

To read the original review of  Bryan Harley, CLICK HERE.

Alaska motorcyclists turn out for blessing

motorcycle blessing

According to Alaska Dispatch, various motorcycle clubs — Alaska Vets, Green Knights, and Rig Riders — came out to the 10th annual Bike Blessing and Ride, despite rain and snow.

Motorcyclists wearing leather motorcycle jackets stood in a circle around a war memorial in downtown Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, listening to Richard Irwin, the event’s big wheel as he prayed for a safe riding season that featured with less snow and warmer temperatures.

A representative of Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan spoke about the dangers of riding in Alaska due to weather and road conditions. Commuters of all kinds were encouraged to beware while traveling Alaska’s roads this summer.

City Church, started the annual motorcycle party years ago in its parking lot. The church partnered up with Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education, the motorcycle nonprofit commonly referred to as ABATE.

Accoridng to Irwin, during summertime in Alaska everybody is out and about, and people often don’t pay attention to motorcycles that are out. “There’s a lot of hazards in Alaska that aren’t such a big deal other places.”he added.

As Irwin spoke, the Alaska Vets Motorcycle Club rolled down the street lead by Wayne “Weird Wayne” Manning, president of the Anchorage chapter of the club as well as the Alaska Coalition of Motorcycle Clubs, Inc.

He described the biker blessing as “a really good gig. It brings people from the different clubs together. It really speaks to Alaska’s no-animosity policy.”

To read the original post, CLICK HERE.

 

Hundreds watch as motorcycle riders race a 180-foot hill

According to Grand Forks Herald, hundreds visited the pine-lined stretch of the Forest River at the bottom of a steep 180-foot hill last Sunday, July 7, 2013.

RURAL FORDVILLE, N.D. — Hundreds visited this normally-secluded location Saturday for the 14th Annual Eagle Ridge Motorcycle Hillclimb. Crowds gathered in rows of lawn chairs in the shade to watch motorcycle riders attempt to ride their bikes over the hill in the shortest amount of time.

Despite cash prizes awarded to winners in each class, the love of riding is what draws many people, especially riders to this motorcycle event. According to Logan Cipala, a rider, riding is a great stress-relief.

The entire event was made possible by donations from sponsors. Their contributions make up part of the prizes given to winners of the race. But, the additional funds raised in part by the $10 admission fee are usually given to the Fordville Fire Department and ambulance service.

The most honored prize goes to the rider who clocks the fastest climb of the day. Each year’s fastest rider gets his or her name engraved into the Andrew Greicar memorial trophy beside the names of previous years’ winners.

To read the original post, CLICK HERE.

 

Heavy rain ends motorcycle swap meet

Reports from Lewiston Sun Journal states that the first annual motorcycle swap meet, hosted by the Dixfield League of Riders at the American Legion, was forced to shut down due to the bad weather.

The swap meet was scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but according to Ed Ellis, director of the Dixfield League of Riders and first vice commander of the local Legion post, they had to shut down early after the rain began coming down harder.

Earlier in the day, outdoor vendors had to fight against sporadic bouts of rain, while selling motorcycle parts on sale. The rain didn’t stop residents from stopping by and checking out the sale while legion members cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for those in attendance. The money raised will be going to the American Legion and the League of Riders.

Shortly after shutting down the swap meet, Ellis said he and the rest of the Dixfield League of Riders would meet to reschedule the event. The event will possibly resume in August so that riders can avoid riding in the rain.

To read the original post, CLICK HERE.

 

Man killed in Rowan County motorcycle accident

curveroad1MOREHEAD, Ky – According to WKYT, a man was killed around 5:30 p.m. after being involved in a motorcycle accident on a dangerous stretch of road in Rowan County last Saturday evening.

State police say 36-year-old Jonathan Elam was riding a motorcycle down US-60 West when he lost control, crossed the center line, struck the guardrail and came to a final rest on the eastbound shoulder.

The Rowan County Coroner pronounced Elam dead at the scene.

Randy Fergeson, who lives just a few yards from where the fatal accident took place, says Saturday’s wet weather may have played a part in the fatal crash. However, he also said that the curve is dangerous regardless of the rain and it would have been avoided if the rider knew that a sharp curve was ahead.

“They don’t have any flashing lights down there and if you don’t know that curve then you’re eventually going to wreck.” he said.

Fergeson hopes this crash will prompt someone to put caution signs around that curve to prevent any future fatal wrecks.

To read the original article, CLICK HERE.

Motorcycle culture is alive but evolving in Southern Indiana

SOUTHERN INDIANA —“I’m a motorcyclist. I’m not a biker,” that was said by  Bernie Bartley, 64, of Louisville. According to him, bikers are those people who run around looking like pirates, making a lot of noise and don’t want to wear their helmets.

Maybe he sounds cranky about today’s motorcycle riders but, maybe that’s a right he’s earned.  He owns 14 motorcycles, of those, three are licensed for the road, while the rest are now museum pieces that he restored.

On the other hand, Derek Korte, the purchasing and preowned inventory manager at CC Powersports in Clarksville, a biker is someone who’s in search of freedom, who enjoys being outside, being outdoors.

“They enjoy being active, but they like being in control of something other than a car. A motorcycle gives you an amount of freedom where you’re kind of open-air, no cockpit around you and you’re just kind of cruising, man” he added.

Korte has seen all types of riders come through his showroom because CC Powersports is the largest motorcycle dealership in the Louisville metro area. Once upon a time, it billed itself as the largest in the Midwest.

The line between “bikers” and “motorcyclists” has blurred over the years.

ROADS OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

Thanks to its hilly terrain and plenitude of backroads, Southern Indiana may just be the best place in the state to ride.

A popular route is Ind. 211, which begins at an intersection near Elizabeth. Scanlan, Wilkey and Bartley all name it as one of the best roads for riding in the area.

“A lot of people say their favorite roads are the roads that have no paint,” Wilkey said. “So any backroad that’s not been striped, that’s a good road because there’s not a lot of traffic, not a lot of people.”

To read the original post, click HERE.