Visiting or living in Florida is wonderful with the great weather and scenery.  Obeying the traffic laws ensures most will arrive safely to their destinations.  Driving defensively should be a way of life for safety and financial reasons not just for motorcycles but for automobiles too.  There are laws on the books however, that could be a nightmare for not only an innocent driver but a way to defraud an insurance company.

The following scenario could happen to anyone:  With the left turn signal on, and slowly rolling but not come to a complete stop the motorcyclist waited for the oncoming traffic to clear.  A truck  that had followed him for about two miles had started slowing down about 50 yards back.   As the truck driver crept forward, it appeared as though he was doing the same thing, waiting for the traffic to clear to allow the bike to make the turn.   One more glance back to be sure all was well  the last car went by and the motorcyclist started his turn.  All of a sudden out of nowhere the truck behind him was beside him and in his path!  The truck was only going about 5 to 7 miles an hour, so when they met it was just a glancing blow. The motorcycles front tire hit the trucks right front wheel and both bike and motorcyclist fell to the road.

The truck pulled about 50 feet ahead and stopped.  First instincts were to run up and scream in his face, but the sight of the bike laying in the middle of the road made the biker stop.  After getting the bike out of the road, both truck driver and motorcyclist took a deep breath and relived the experience.  Witnesses were on hand to confirm what had happened.  The truck driver said he did not see the  turn signal blinking on the motorcycle and did not know why he was stopped in the middle of the road and decided to go around him after the traffic cleared.   Admitting fault and providing insurance information they agreed this honest truck driver could leave and the motorcyclist waited for the State Trooper to come and write a police report.

When the Florida State Trooper arrived, he listened intently to the description of the accident.  He looked at the damage to the motorcycle, and asked several times if anyone was hurt.   After quietly reviewing  the scene he dropped the bombshell  “I can write this accident report up if you want, but, I will have to ticket you if I do.”  Astonished he had to ask him to repeat himself.  As long as no one was hurt, alcohol was not involved and both drivers agreed to the description of the accident the Trooper was not bound to write the accident report.  The involved drivers could report it for insurance purposes with a “Drivers Report Of Traffic Crash.” But why was this innocent victim going to be charged?

There is a Florida Law on the books that when summed up reads, It is the responsibility of the motor vehicle operator, to make sure another driver is not trying to pass while attempting a left turn.   The only way the passing driver could be charged, is if he could not get back into his lane before a double yellow line or “No Passing Zone”.

Even if the law is not on your side, most motorcyclist and automobile drivers do not want to be involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault.  The lawmaker who wrote this law punishes the less cautious driver, not thinking of the unscrupulous few that take advantage of this type of situation.  There are those that make a living by creating accidents and collecting monies from insurance companies.   The idea is not to re-write traffic laws but inform the public they could become a victim of an impatient driver not paying attention or worse.

Being a motorcyclist, means defensive driving must be a way of life.  Looking twice for the biker is not enough, sometimes three or four times is a given.  Learning valuable lessons and living to tell them is a humbling experience and passing it on is the thing to do.

Danica Patrick goes by many titles and descriptions.  IRL race car driver, Nationwide driver, swimsuit model, commercial actress, co-talk show host and list goes on.

Danica Patrick Official Website

Her words to live by could be summed up by this quote:

“I need to beat them, belittle them and make them feel small. Trying to run them off the road at 170 mph isn’t sweet and kind.”

Whatever it takes to win, to dominate, to be number one can become a daunting task.

Lest we forget, Danica is following in the steps of women predecessors who succeeded beyond her current threshold.  Females, who broke the barrier and chose to be remembered by their abilities in a man’s dominated sport.

Their names echoing in history:

Janet Guthrie

Janet Guthrie, The First Female Of The Indy 500 … The First Female NASCAR Driver She was a pilot and flight instructor, an aerospace engineer, a technical editor, and a public representative for some of the country’s major corporations. She had 13 years of experience on sports car road-racing circuits, building and maintaining her own race cars, before being invited to test a car for Indianapolis. http://www.janetguthrie.com/Biography.htm

Louise Smith

Louise Smith raced in the 1949 Daytona Beach Road Course, along with two other female drivers (Ethel Mobley and Sara Christian), the only race to have three women compete. She later raced late models, modifieds, midgets, and sportsmen cars. She had 38 wins, with 28 of them in the modifieds from 1949-1956. She was the first woman inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999.

Louise Smith NASCAR Pioneer

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher, At 19, she was the youngest driver at the time to compete in an IRL race (Texas, 1999) and has the most Indianapolis 500 starts (8) by a female driver.Intervew with Car And Driver

Angelle Sampey

Angelle Sampey, In 2001, Sampey became the winningest female in NHRA history, moving past Shirley Muldowney. She went on to get seven wins that season which remains the most wins ever recorded in a single season by a female competitor in NHRA history. NHRA motorcycle racer Angelle Sampey of Louisiana retires

These four ladies were instrumental in the acceptance of female participation in competitive racing.  Not just their achievements, but how they managed to be successful  while breaching the wall and competing to win the race on a level playing field.  Meeting and competing against the opposite sex and not having to pull the female card made them true pioneers.

We are watching as the face of racing is changing.  Back in the day, winning by any means meant bump and run.   Has Danica crossed the line by promoting herself as a sex object instead of a competitive race car driver?

IRL embraced Danica years ago and watched as she made history several times with her motorsports accomplishments.  Not until advertisers began courting her youth and sexuality did she began to morph.  Did the prospect of being in the limelight dim her real reason for racing?

Danica’s sights are set on NASCAR.  Trying to break into this good ole boy network with her suggestive commercials promising a peek for a following will be her legacy.  Will  NASCAR’s 40% female fan base, accept Danica or will she be blasted for her questionable marketing practice?

Ultimately, the fans will decide.

Florida has experienced one of the coldest winters in history but compared to the rest of the country we have it easy.  Visiting in March and riding a motorcycle will most likely require cold weather attire, including leather jackets, gloves and layered clothing.  Of course we hope for the warmth and sunshine but it is recommended to be prepared for the worst.

With Daytona Bike Week right around the corner having a guide to all of the fun and festivities will ensure a good time.  The Daytona International Speedway will host motorcycle racing at its finest and Florida is a tourist state, so visiting some of the sites while on Bike Week vacation is recommended.

Touring on a motorcycle is the way to go and Florida is a biker friendly state with establishments catering to motorcyclist sprinkled up and down the highways.

1st Recommendation:

Starting from Daytona Beach, head north to Ormond Beach.  State Road 40 west is a ride through the Ocala National Forest. This highway takes the traveler all the way to US 41 in Dunnelon.  Just north on US 41 on your right is Rainbow State Park.  Fresh water springs are common in North Central Florida and this one is a gem.  The three hour trip, traveling through the forest and the destination is well worth it.

2nd Recommendation:

Just north of Daytona on US 1 is St Augustine.  An approximately 50 mile scenic ride that parallels the Atlantic Ocean.  The oldest European City in our Nation host a tourist dream.  Park your bike and stroll down the historic district with cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, and unique shops.  Visit the 16th century Castillo de San Marcos.  It tells the story of how Spain defended her rule in Florida with live re-enactments of battles fought.

3rd Recommendation:

South on US 1 is Cape Canaveral.  The home of the Kennedy Space Center.  Visit the International Space Station Center, take the Cape Canaveral: Then & Now Tour, and  the Guided Tour – Discover Kennedy Space Center: Today & Tomorrow.

The final recommendation is saved for last – Key West Florida.

This approximately six hour ride is better planned with an overnight stay in one of the southern most points hostels.  Once there plan your evening around dinner at the Hogs Breath and don’t forget the tee shirt. Before you leave, a picture standing next to the marker at the southern most point of the United States is a must.

On your way back stop at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway and see where NASCAR host the final race of the year.

While in our “My Helmet My Choice” state ride safe, obey the law and Ride On.

A group of  American Veterans have gotten together and spread the word that wearing red on Friday’s can become a phenom en if the public will embrace it.  This simple symbolic gesture has already started taking off.   Some of the members of your local Moose Lodges, Eagles, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans Of Foreign Wars and American Legions are showing their support with red shirts.  By word of mouth and the World Wide Web the American public can be a part of this movement.  Show our brothers and sisters who are putting their lives on the line serving our country “We Care”.

Our United States Military is serving us and our Country – they deserve our recognition. 

“Wear Red On Friday’s”

At Daytona International Speedway

On the beach itself, the history of this event unfolds in the form of a granite monument.  Etched on the monument are the names and likenesses of the twelve champions who raced from 1937 to 1960 in the original Daytona 200 Motorcycle Race on the hard sandy beaches just north of the site.

In a circle around the original monument, the names and faces of racers like Aaron Creamer who lived and died for the sport are memorialized forever in granite slabs.  The memorial is on-going with granite plaques and pavers available for purchase. For more information Click Here.

The yearly motorcycle race event moved to the Daytona speedway in 1961.  Not to be rivaled by downtown, the Daytona International Speedway host a week of spectacular motorcycle racing with champion riders competing for the coveted Daytona Bike Week Awards. The speedway itself is a state of the art facility that also host Speed Week, the major motor sport event held every year before Bike Week.

Bike Week 2010 Motorcycle Racing Schedule

• Jan. 30-31, 2010

The 48th running of the Rolex 24 will kick off Speed Week  2010 and the schedule will  conclude with the 52nd Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14.

• February 26 – 28, 2010

The season kick-off of the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship will mark the XDL’s  fifth season as the only national sportbike freestyle championship and the series’ first visit.

• March 3 – 4, 2010

The Speedway will be the host to the AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader on its new quarter-mile lime rock track located in the West Lot outside Turns 1 and 2.

• March 5, 2010

The famed Daytona 200 AMA Pro Racing battle is held at night under the lights in Americas most historic motorcycle race.

• March 6, 2010

Daytona Supercross By Honda presents the top riders in America including three-time defending champion Chad Reed, James Stewart, Andrew Short and Ryan Villopoto who will battle it out on the tough and demanding course at Daytona International Speedway.

• March 7, 2010

The first ever Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship will be held at Daytona International Speedway,

• March 8, 2010

Rickey Carmichael will then host Ricky Carmichael University, a public riding school hosted by the 15-Time AMA National Champion.

Visit the Official Bike Week Web-site and plan your vacation around this yearly event.  Great food and fun with lots of entertainment are found at the most famous bike rally in the world.  Riding a motorcycle is optional but recommended.

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When riding in frigid weather paying attention to what happens to your body when cold weather is a factor could be the difference between a fun ride and a miserable ride.

By reviewing the three stages of frostbite motorcycle riders could avoid a painful and possibly life changing event.

What Is Frostbite? What Causes Frostbite? What Is Congelatio?

Motorcycle Clothes For Winter Riding
Regardless, watching the weather and dressing appropriately is the answer to a safe and fun ride.
Choosing the proper riding gear is the first step.  Beginning with outer wear and working your way in gives the rider room to move.
1st – Choosing a riding jacket a size larger will allow room for layers.  Leather or textile, a jacket with a zip in or snap liner is an extra layer not usually considered.

Made In The USA High Quality Leather

100% waterproof, high abrasion resistant cotton

2nd – A good pair of Motorcycle Chaps and or Motorcycle Leather Overpants will help keep the lower body warm by blocking the cold wind from penetrating.  Layers are going to be your best defense. Underclothes for Men and Underclothes for Women come in ultralight or silky, medium and heavy made from cotton and cotton blends.

Hands and feet are probably the hardest part of the body to keep and stay warm.  For the hands combining a good pair of  lined gloves and hand grip warmers will do the job even on the coldest days.  Try wearing a pair of thin rubber gloves (surgical) under your regular gloves for extra protection.

The feet can prove to be a bit more difficult but a good pair of Thermal Lined Socks can keep the feet warm or even consider battery operated heaters.  Bring an extra pair if on a longer ride just in case your feet start to sweat.  Once socks become damp the feet will get cold making it harder to warm them back up.

A baclava or leather bandanna tucked into the jacket collar will not only block the wind and protect the neck but also create warmth from exhaled air captured.

Motorcycle riding is a passion fueled by the wind, sun cold and rain.  Wearing proper riding gear is necessary when challenging the elements.  When riding in cold weather create a flight plan with frequent stops to allow the body temperature core to warm back up.  By doing your homework and assembling the proper gear, cold weather riding is possible.

For more information, and tips with a recommended selection of motorcycle riding gear and clothes visit www.cool-riders.com.  Be Safe and Ride On.

HubShout.com

• Harley Davidson is offering customers extended warranty coverage on new, new 2009 and 2010 year Harley-Davidson motorcycles purchased and delivered between November 20, 2009 and March 16, 2010. The limited warranty coverage will extend the manufacturers warranty through April 2, 2012, and will apply to street legal Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories installed by the dealer. Click here to read more.
• Motorcycles are now included in 2009′s Vehicle Tax Deduction Click here to for more information.
• Lo Jack for Motorcycles have proven to be just as valuable as they are for automobiles.  Click here to read about the latest news on the benefits of having one installed on your bike.
• According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study bikers have never been happier with overall satisfaction at it’s highest level in seven years.
• Green Speed Air Motorcycles are on the drawing board and may be the newest invention for the motorcyclist who can ride with compressed air.
• 
• Electric Motorcycles are not too far away with the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in Japan featuring the EC-f electric scooter motorcycle.  Read more about this latest invention.

Motorcycles is a passion fueled by the wind.  It doesn’t matter what you ride “Just Ride”

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Makes 2 generous or 4 smaller servings

1 pumpkin, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds

4 ounces bread crumbs, – 1/2-inch chunks

4 ounces cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Blue, Cheddar or a combination, cut into 1/2-inch chunks

2-4 cloves garlic cloves – chop coarse

About 1/3 cup heavy cream

Freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Parsley sprig

Place rack in center of oven and preheat  to 350 degrees F.  Either line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat or find a Dutch oven that’s the same diameter as the pumpkin.  (If you bake the pumpkin in a casserole, it will keep its shape, but it will also stick to the casserole, so you’ll have to serve it from the pot, which is a rustic, appealingly homey way to serve it.  If you bake it on a sheet, you can present it free-standing, if it doesn’t collapse in the oven.

Using a very sturdy knife, cut a cap off the top of the pumpkin.  This isn’t an easy job - I went around the top of the pumpkin with my knife at a 45-degree angle to get a nice size cap.  Clear away any seeds and strings from the cap and hold it aside while you scoop out the seeds and filaments inside the pumpkin.  (Hold onto this goop — you can separate the seeds from the filaments and roast them.)  Season the inside of the pumpkin with salt and pepper and put it on the sheet or in the casserole.

Now you have a choice, you can either toss the bread, cheese and garlic together in a bowl, then pack it into the pumpkin, or you can alternate layers of bread and cheese and scatter the garlic here and there.  (I mixed everything together.)  Either way, the filling should go into the pumpkin and fill it well.  You might have a little too much filling or you might need to add to it — it’s hard to give exact amounts.  Season the cream with salt, pepper and several gratings of fresh nutmeg and pour the cream into the pumpkin.  Again, you might have too much or too little.  You don’t want the ingredients to swim in cream, but you do want to get a feeling that they’re moistened.

Put the cap back in place and bake the pumpkin for about 2 hours — check after 90 minutes — or until everything inside the pumpkin is bubbly and the flesh of the pumpkin is tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a knife.  I removed the cap during the last 20 minutes or so of baking so that the top could brown.

Caution:  If you want to spoon out the pumpkin and the filling or try mixing it, you better bake the pumpkin in a casserole because you’ll need to support the sides.

Playing around:  I think you could play around with the filling, adding bacon or ham, herbs (a little thyme might be nice) or nuts.

Use your imagination – good luck and happy pumpkin!