Riders Education Blog

Chapter ILB Safety Report

JFrum — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:38:00 GMT

The following report was provided by Deb Brem of IL Chapter B and is being replublished here.

Chapter Director Report
Deb Brem

I will first report on a couple items I did NOT bring up at the monthly meeting. Both articles can be found in the October 2009 Touring News Magazine. I felt they were worth bringing your attention to.

The first is about helmets meeting DOT standards. This small article can be found on page 2. They are talking about Washington State Patrol stepping up enforcement of DOT approved helmets being worn by bikers. Motorcycle injury & fatality collisions continue to rise. Troopers are working diligently to stop reckless bikers who not only put themselves in danger but also other motorists. They state that even the safest riders put themselves at increased risk when they ride WITHOUT proper protective gear. They recall on incident that involved a biker going just 15 mph when the collision happened. Due to the fact that the biker was NOT wearing a DOT approved helmet, the biker died. A few weeks later, in that same area, a biker lost control of his motorcycle at 80 mph. He survived with only minor injuries. The biker was wearing ALL of the proper protective gear from HEAD to TOE, including a DOT approved helmet. The troopers are also finding many who have not completed a safety course OR obtained the proper license endorsement. RIDER’S HAVE THE POWER TO SAVE THEIR OWN LIVES!

The second article is about what to do should you encounter a deer in your driving path. This article can be found on page 33. The article states to be aware in the fall & spring especially, but not limited to, the dusk & dawn hours. If you see a “deer crossing sign,” EXPECT DEER. You should drive defensively, slowing down if you should spot a deer. If there’s one deer, watch carefully, there’ll probably be more. IF A DEER IS IN YOUR PATH, USE YOUR BRAKES, NOT YOUR WHEEL. Swerving can take you into the path of an oncoming vehicle OR into the ditch. Both are potentially far more dangerous than striking a deer. I know around our house you can find them along the woods leading up to Circle K, & just as you enter I-255 from Route 15 in Alorton. You are driving right along Frank Holton State Park. My aunt hit a deer there on Christmas Day.

Fall Riding habits

Tatonka — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:59:00 GMT

Hi everyone, I hope everybody had a "funfilled" & safesummer riding season. Mt summer trips included the Region C Rally, Gold Rush, the Wisconsin Meet & Greet, & the Ride For Kids in Madison, Wi. While at Gold Rush, I took the SRC course & the First Aid & CPR class. Both were very good, but poorly attended. I don't know if we do not promote these classes enough, or if people do not want to take the time out of their they're Rally schedule, or maybe some think they have to pre-register for them. This is not the case, they are available on a first come first serve basis. Folks the skills you will learn in these classes could potentially save your life or the lives of others. The SRC class will make you a better driver whether you just got you bike, or have been riding for 20 years.The rider Education progam is changing so that you can do any level at any time. In other words you can attain a level II before you do a level 1 etc.Any questions on this please feel free to contact me or your local Chapter Educator. If you can please view the DVD, Ride Like A Pro III by Jerry Paladino. It is very good. After several of our Chapter members saw it , it prompted them to go to a parking lot & practice the low speed maneuvers that every ride starts & end with. Contact Don Coons, Nat. Rider Educator as he has the DVD & could "loan" it to your Chapter to view at a social. As I'm writing this the weather guy said sunset is now @ 7:01PM. That means any late afternoon or evening ride will have you riding home in darkness. I know we all have lots of lights on our bikes, but when you can think about adding some reflective gear or reflective materials to your bike. Reflective tape added to the radio antennas or rear of the bike can really catch the headlights of other vehicles & make your bike standout as the antennas move during the ride. By pointing out some of these ideas, i don't want you to fear riding a motorcycle, I just want you to be as safe as possible so the Friendships we gained as part of GWTA "Destination Friendship" can continue on for many, many years. Until next time, Ride Safe, Marcus Baudhuin, Educator

June 26, 2009

Tatonka — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Hi, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mark "Marcus" Baudhuin, I am your new Region C Educator. My real name is Mark, but my "bike" family knows me as Marcus.My wife Diana & I reside near Green Bay, WI. My thanks to Rick Hinrich & Don & Judy Coons for their confidance in me to appoint me as Region C Educator. I have been riding Goldwings for about 22 years, & currently ride a black 08 ABS.I have been involved in rider education for alot of those 22 years.This article will be in both the Wisconsin & Region C newsletters. We just finished a great & safe Region C Rally & will be heading to Gold Rush in Lexington, Ky.

Now for this months newsletter topic, Summer warm weather riding. We finally have warm/hot weather in the Green Bay, & as I am writing this it is 80 degrees & humid. The main key in my opinion for safe hot weather riding is proper riding gear. It is important to keep the skin covered with either lightweight clothing or the new mesh jackets. The new mesh jackets are wonderful, they let the air through & still allow your body to cool thru sweat evaporation. But in order to perspire, you have to remain hydrated. This means increasing your fluid intake.

Water or a sports drink such as Gatorade are what you need, not coffee, soda or any adult beverages. When I'm getting ready for a long hot weather ride, ideally a few bottles of water per person kept cold in a small cooler would be great. But if taking a cooler is not possible, I like to freeze a couple of 1/2 full bottles of water the nght before, & wrap them in towel & tuck them away in the saddlebag or the trunk .Take along 1 cold bottle of water & mix it in with with the partially froze water when you take a rest or gas stop. Or stop along the way & purchase the water as you need it. Don't wait until your thirsty, drink some water whenever you can, drink more than you think you need, this will allow your body to keep you cool. If it is exremely hot, consider riding in the early morning or late evening, taking a break during the heat of midday. If you have any questions or need to contact me, please send me an e-mail

Spring Tune-Up

JFrum — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:18:00 GMT

I've just received word that a Spring Tune-Up is upcoming. I'm assured a flier will be posted soon too. Here are the details that I have so far (and I quote).

SPRING TUNE-UP

will be held May 17, 2008;
starting at 1:00PM at Lake Manawa, Shelter #4, Council Bluffs, IA.

Flyers are forthcoming. The BBQ will start at 6PM. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Be ready for fun and challenges. The courses are designed for all levels of riders.

Any questions, please contact State Safety Director, Wendell Hakanson at 712.366-0536.

Basic Plus - CPR, AED and First Aid for Adults

JFrum — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:10:00 GMT

New Riders Education Blog

icecube — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:52:00 GMT

This is the new RED blog, Welcome all...