It Happens Every Spring

I once read an article comparing motorcycles to a swarm of locusts that come around each year. We were called very noisy and unwanted. I took umbrage at this metaphor but perhaps I can use it here from a positive perspective. Some of you may think me premature in discussing spring but believe me, the bikers have already hit the roads. I myself rode to work very recently. Some of us believe that anything over 45 is riding weather.

Each year bikers come out of hibernation and begin riding before the sand has washed off the roads. Each year cagers (we refer to people driving vehicles with windows as driving cages) forget that warmer weather means motorcycles sharing the roads. Consequently there are more motorcycle accidents in the spring than any other time of year.

I'm a big promoter of safety on two wheels so I am careful to have safety discussions at every ABATE meeting we have. Motorcyclists have to be very careful of sand on the roads at this time of year. We also have to watch traffic carefully since people aren't used to seeing us on the road. For those of you not riding, be careful please and watch for motorcyclists. Like James Dean said, "The life you save could be mine."

I have a special invitation for anyone interested in learning more about riding in groups. On March 29th, a representative of Harley Davidson will be presenting a seminar on how to ride safely in large groups. He will discuss the hand signals we use as well as formation riding. This is to be held at 2pm at Hoosier's Bar and Grill in Ellettsville. This is free and open to anyone. There will also be training on emergency response in case of a biker going down. The safe removal of a helmet in case of injury is just one area to be discussed. This is an excellent opportunity for riders and non-riders to learn more about group riding. Just leave a comment here if you would like to attend. You don't have to leave your name since we are only interested in the number of people.

Oh and for the locust metaphor, don't worry. We may be loud and indeed may be in large groups but rest assured that whatever we eat, we'll pay for. Perhaps you'll want our business.