There is an old saying with motorcyclists that have been around for a while. "There are two types of riders. Those that have crashed and those that will crash."
With the current rise in gas prices, I am seeing more and more people using motorcycles and scooters for their daily commute and general running around. I think this is great to see. The two-wheeled version of gettin' around is much easier to navigate through traffic, making your commute quicker, easier on the wallet and great for the environment. I welcome all the new riders to our two-wheeled "community". I honestly don't understand why more people don't choose the two-wheeled way of getting around.
What does concern me is seeing so many riders on scooters (as well as motorcycles) with no protective gear whatsoever (I know this is their right, so please, no e-mails explaining that to me).
Is there some unwritten rule that people do not change lanes into riders on scooters or turn left in front of them? I cringe, every time I see somebody zipping through an intersection on a scooter wearing no protective gear, no caution of even looking around as they go through their green light. I have learned long ago, that anybody can hit you at almost any time. Plain and simple, most drivers do not see you on the road and are usually doing many other important things than just driving (cell phone, makeup, eating, yelling at kids, etc.). I have survived as long as I have because I know that I am invisible and that everybody is trying to run over me. This may not always be politically correct to say, but it has worked so far. Most new riders would know some of these basic rules if they did their research and took some of the training classes available. The current MSF course is a great one that I highly recommend.
And this is where things get a little strange. I have talked to a few scooter riders that believe that they do not have to get an "M" (motorcycle) endorsement on their driver's license to legally operate a scooter on the public roads. Even heard rumors that some scooter shops have told this to their customers. I hope that is not true, but...
To put it simply, in Oklahoma - "Scooters which are built and designed for highway travel are recognized like motorcycles". This means that they are titled and registered just like any other motorcycle (and car for that matter) and must follow the same rules and regulations. In other words, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to operate one on a public road. And just as important, you must get as much training as possible. Just like anything else in life. The more you train or practice, the better you are at it. It is one thing if you can't throw strikes on the local softball team. End result; you walk a few batters. It is another if you aren't very good at riding a motorcycle. End result; at best, you crash and get to learn a lesson.
If you are a rider that doesn't have an "M" on your license, get one, it's easy. If you don't think you should wear any type of protective gear... well, I guess that is your choice. Although, you probably will, after you go down once and commence to sliding and tumbling down the pavement if you are still riding.
Brad
With the current rise in gas prices, I am seeing more and more people using motorcycles and scooters for their daily commute and general running around. I think this is great to see. The two-wheeled version of gettin' around is much easier to navigate through traffic, making your commute quicker, easier on the wallet and great for the environment. I welcome all the new riders to our two-wheeled "community". I honestly don't understand why more people don't choose the two-wheeled way of getting around.What does concern me is seeing so many riders on scooters (as well as motorcycles) with no protective gear whatsoever (I know this is their right, so please, no e-mails explaining that to me).
Is there some unwritten rule that people do not change lanes into riders on scooters or turn left in front of them? I cringe, every time I see somebody zipping through an intersection on a scooter wearing no protective gear, no caution of even looking around as they go through their green light. I have learned long ago, that anybody can hit you at almost any time. Plain and simple, most drivers do not see you on the road and are usually doing many other important things than just driving (cell phone, makeup, eating, yelling at kids, etc.). I have survived as long as I have because I know that I am invisible and that everybody is trying to run over me. This may not always be politically correct to say, but it has worked so far. Most new riders would know some of these basic rules if they did their research and took some of the training classes available. The current MSF course is a great one that I highly recommend.
And this is where things get a little strange. I have talked to a few scooter riders that believe that they do not have to get an "M" (motorcycle) endorsement on their driver's license to legally operate a scooter on the public roads. Even heard rumors that some scooter shops have told this to their customers. I hope that is not true, but...
To put it simply, in Oklahoma - "Scooters which are built and designed for highway travel are recognized like motorcycles". This means that they are titled and registered just like any other motorcycle (and car for that matter) and must follow the same rules and regulations. In other words, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license to operate one on a public road. And just as important, you must get as much training as possible. Just like anything else in life. The more you train or practice, the better you are at it. It is one thing if you can't throw strikes on the local softball team. End result; you walk a few batters. It is another if you aren't very good at riding a motorcycle. End result; at best, you crash and get to learn a lesson.
If you are a rider that doesn't have an "M" on your license, get one, it's easy. If you don't think you should wear any type of protective gear... well, I guess that is your choice. Although, you probably will, after you go down once and commence to sliding and tumbling down the pavement if you are still riding.
Brad
1 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Friday, July 18, 2008 at
8:50 AM. 
Update July 16, 2008- The weather was perfect this morning for our Ride to Work Day breakfast. All morning a steady stream of motorcycles flowed in and out of the parking lot in front of the Savoy Restaurant.
Thanks to the media covering the event today- including Fox 23 Daybreak, KRMG Radio, Urban Tulsa, the Tulsa World and KJRH Channel 2.
photos...
Resources for the potential motorcyclist...
Get your motor runnin'...
Tulsa mayor, Kathy Taylor, has officially proclaimed July 16, 2008 as Ride to Work Day. Riding your motorcycle or scooter to work on this day will help show Tulsans that motorcycles aren't just for recreation. We also hope it will increase driver awareness and make the roads safer for bikes and scooters.
Ride to Work Breakfast
To help everyone get their ride to work started right, we're having a rider's breakfast on the morning of July 16th at the Savoy Restaurant, 6033 S. Sheridan Road. Join us from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and meet fellow two-wheeled commuters. Ride in and get a free cinnamon roll with your breakfast (quantities limited).
Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how motorcycles and scooters make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.
Thanks to Vespa of Oklahoma on Brookside and K & N Motorcycles for helping us make this possible.
Official proclamation from Mayor Kathy Taylor
0 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at
8:02 AM.
The 17th annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day is Wednesday, July 16th. Every year on this day over a million workers commute via motorcycles and scooters to demonstrate the positive benefits of our efficient vehicles.According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and only about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride to Work Day the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a much larger number of
That is the official blurb. Now for our take.
As fuel prices continue to go up, I am seeing more motorcycles (and scooters) on the road during the normal business-day commute. This is good for a couple of reasons. Of course it saves on fuel and puts a couple dollars back in your pocket. It also helps to cut emissions to the only earth that we have. And just as important to me, is that by putting more motorcycles on the road, it makes a few more people aware of them.
Maybe by helping to promote and getting the word out about this annual event, we can get more bikes on the road. I know I would rather be running through traffic with a bunch of bikes rather than trying to navigate around the 6,000 lb SUVs piloted by cel phone talking, late to work people that I normally see. I actually rode by a young girl last week "driving" through traffic on a busy highway (Hwy 169) that had one foot out the drivers window and was looking down texting with both hands. But that's another story.
If for no other reason, it adds a little enjoyment to a normal day to be able to get in a ride on the way to work and on the way home. So try it, you might like it.
We are currently talking with the Mayor's office and trying to get some city involvement. If all goes well, we will have incentives to ride to work and Tulsa will be the first city in Oklahoma to endorse the National Ride to Work Day.
Remember, motorcycles are not just meant for the weekends.
0 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at
8:41 PM.
What a blast!
The shindig in Missouri this weekend was a really great time. A small but enthusiastic group of riders from as far away as Iowa and Oklahoma City made the trek to Osage Beach. The hardware was a mixed bag of BMWs, retro Hondas, a Ducati, a Buell and a Bandit.
The highlight of the weekend was touring some backroads with Scott Hubbard and getting to see his collection of bikes and vintage BMWs. Afterwards we hit the Elbow Inn on old Route 66 for some BBQ in the shade.
Saturday evening at Tan-Tar-A we gathered on the patio for door prizes and awards. Chris Ternes received a belated award for not tightening his oil drain plug before last year's ride. In "honor" of that slippery moment on I-44 the Most Precious Moment Award features a drain plug with a reminder on a greasy post-it note. The 2008 recipient was James Saar for a horizontal pirouette he performed near Spavinaw on Oklahoma Highway 20.
Many thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this year's event a great success...
Brookside Motorcycle Company Green Country Cycle City 1888FastLap.com The Kinetic Playground Places 2 Ride Ride Oklahoma
We have a limited number of event shirts still available.
Order Now
The shindig in Missouri this weekend was a really great time. A small but enthusiastic group of riders from as far away as Iowa and Oklahoma City made the trek to Osage Beach. The hardware was a mixed bag of BMWs, retro Hondas, a Ducati, a Buell and a Bandit.
The highlight of the weekend was touring some backroads with Scott Hubbard and getting to see his collection of bikes and vintage BMWs. Afterwards we hit the Elbow Inn on old Route 66 for some BBQ in the shade.
Saturday evening at Tan-Tar-A we gathered on the patio for door prizes and awards. Chris Ternes received a belated award for not tightening his oil drain plug before last year's ride. In "honor" of that slippery moment on I-44 the Most Precious Moment Award features a drain plug with a reminder on a greasy post-it note. The 2008 recipient was James Saar for a horizontal pirouette he performed near Spavinaw on Oklahoma Highway 20.
Many thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make this year's event a great success...
We have a limited number of event shirts still available.
Order Now
0 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at
1:50 PM.
My addiction to Motorcycles started before I reached the ripe age of 5 years. I was one of the lucky ones that had a father that rode and believed that his boys should do the same. From that time, I have ridden all across this country in the dirt, the sand, dried lake beds, racetracks, of course the street and a few places I probably shouldn't mention. Of that time riding, I would guess that I spent 75 percent of that riding with friends and/or family.
Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize. When riding with others, it allows for a couple of things.
One of the first is Safety. If there is a mishap along the way, and I have had my share, you have somebody you can rely on to help you back up, call for help, explain to you where you are and what your name is, etc. (thanks again Rex). I made it a habit to always have somebody along when taking off in the dirt, whether it be rompin' through the woods or on a Motocross track. I crash far too often in those environments to not have somebody around. It's just what I do. I crash, I get up and try not to do it again.
Another is being able to share the whole experience with others both during the ride and after. To benchrace at the end of the day over drinks and a good cigar is not something to be brushed off lightly. I try to attend as many rallies as I can, that involve beautiful roads, new places and friends that I only get to see a couple times every year.
Of course on the other end of that "riding with others" is the testosterone fest that can go on. I see that happen far too often on the street. It might happen in the dirt, but usually, everybody is crashing anyway, so it's hard to tell. I am older now and have used up most of my testosterone. When you don't have much left, you tend to ration it out more carefully.
I swore off riding with large groups a few years back because of my last ride with a large group. The group numbered somewhere around 25 - 30 and had the full mix of bikes, abilities and experience and ended with more than a few broken bones, broken bikes and lots of locals in their freshly pressed uniforms showing up. This same expericence had happened to me before, but something finally clicked in my brain that day and I realized that this was not conducive to my whole plan of not donating any more of my paychecks to the local doctors. That cured me. Now, I stick to groups of 5 - 6 riders that I know.
Now for the other 25 percent of the time. A couple of years back, I decided that I have donated my fair share to the local Orthopedic Surgeons and sold all bikes with knobbies on them. I was not trying to cut off the local doctors completely, but merely cut back on that part of my spending.
Now I try to keep it on the pavement. In the past few years, I have discovered traveling farther than my usual 200 to 300 mile days and have been wandering a little more and attended rallies in other states. Of course, this had me showing up at a rally or two alone, due to the other 4 or 5 guys bailing at the last minute after talking me in to going.
I have to admit that riding alone has its own advantages. There are the obvious ones, such as stopping when you feel like it, riding as slow or fast as you want, detours on a whim, etc., but there is also one that I had forgotten about.
I was reminded of this last one when returning home from a 1,200 mile trip that ended up with the last 300 miles in the rain. I think a friend of mine put it best when I was trying to explain it to him after that trip. He thought it was "that whole Cowboy spirit". Back when a guy would saddle his horse and mosey across the country in search of "who knows what". Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize.
Riding alone adds to the sense of adventure. If you break down, run out of gas or get lost, there is nobody there to back you up. You have to rely completely on yourself.
You also get to think. I do not listen to music or have my phone wired to my helmet, instead, I choose earplugs. Most people would be surprised how many brain cells are active when you ride across this country only hearing the muted exhaust of your own trusty steed. In today’s world of constant communication with everything and everybody, silence can be golden.
Got something to figure out? Burned out at work? Throw a change of clothes in a bag, strap it to your bike and leave in a general direction. Everything will become very clear. It might take a few hundred miles or maybe a few thousand, but you will know when it happens.
When you return and people ask you why you are smiling and remark that you seem different, then you can try to explain this to them.
Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize. When riding with others, it allows for a couple of things.
One of the first is Safety. If there is a mishap along the way, and I have had my share, you have somebody you can rely on to help you back up, call for help, explain to you where you are and what your name is, etc. (thanks again Rex). I made it a habit to always have somebody along when taking off in the dirt, whether it be rompin' through the woods or on a Motocross track. I crash far too often in those environments to not have somebody around. It's just what I do. I crash, I get up and try not to do it again.
Another is being able to share the whole experience with others both during the ride and after. To benchrace at the end of the day over drinks and a good cigar is not something to be brushed off lightly. I try to attend as many rallies as I can, that involve beautiful roads, new places and friends that I only get to see a couple times every year.Of course on the other end of that "riding with others" is the testosterone fest that can go on. I see that happen far too often on the street. It might happen in the dirt, but usually, everybody is crashing anyway, so it's hard to tell. I am older now and have used up most of my testosterone. When you don't have much left, you tend to ration it out more carefully.
I swore off riding with large groups a few years back because of my last ride with a large group. The group numbered somewhere around 25 - 30 and had the full mix of bikes, abilities and experience and ended with more than a few broken bones, broken bikes and lots of locals in their freshly pressed uniforms showing up. This same expericence had happened to me before, but something finally clicked in my brain that day and I realized that this was not conducive to my whole plan of not donating any more of my paychecks to the local doctors. That cured me. Now, I stick to groups of 5 - 6 riders that I know.
Now for the other 25 percent of the time. A couple of years back, I decided that I have donated my fair share to the local Orthopedic Surgeons and sold all bikes with knobbies on them. I was not trying to cut off the local doctors completely, but merely cut back on that part of my spending.
Now I try to keep it on the pavement. In the past few years, I have discovered traveling farther than my usual 200 to 300 mile days and have been wandering a little more and attended rallies in other states. Of course, this had me showing up at a rally or two alone, due to the other 4 or 5 guys bailing at the last minute after talking me in to going.
I have to admit that riding alone has its own advantages. There are the obvious ones, such as stopping when you feel like it, riding as slow or fast as you want, detours on a whim, etc., but there is also one that I had forgotten about.
I was reminded of this last one when returning home from a 1,200 mile trip that ended up with the last 300 miles in the rain. I think a friend of mine put it best when I was trying to explain it to him after that trip. He thought it was "that whole Cowboy spirit". Back when a guy would saddle his horse and mosey across the country in search of "who knows what". Riding solo is more different than most “pack riders” would realize.
Riding alone adds to the sense of adventure. If you break down, run out of gas or get lost, there is nobody there to back you up. You have to rely completely on yourself.
You also get to think. I do not listen to music or have my phone wired to my helmet, instead, I choose earplugs. Most people would be surprised how many brain cells are active when you ride across this country only hearing the muted exhaust of your own trusty steed. In today’s world of constant communication with everything and everybody, silence can be golden.Got something to figure out? Burned out at work? Throw a change of clothes in a bag, strap it to your bike and leave in a general direction. Everything will become very clear. It might take a few hundred miles or maybe a few thousand, but you will know when it happens.
When you return and people ask you why you are smiling and remark that you seem different, then you can try to explain this to them.
1 Comments
Published by B Mathison
on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at
8:32 AM.
sponsors...
First off, thanks to the sponsors who are helping make the second Precious Moments Tour possible. Their names are proudly displayed on your right. We've also provided a link to their websites for your convenience.
Precious Moments Tour
May 16-18, 2008
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is about 90 miles north of Springfield, MO. The weekend is fast approaching but it's not too late to register. Registration gets you the ubiquitous event T-shirt, our handy route sheet and the chance to win coveted awards most motorcyclists can only dream of. Advance registration (before May 15) is only $10 and on-site will be $15. Cheap.
Our headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. The resort offers a wide range of conveniences within walking distance- a coffee shop, bar, water park and restaurants ranging from Burger King to a full buffet. The basic rooms offer two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Tan-Tar-A offers a special $99 rate for those staying three nights. Otherwise choose a "non-lakeview" room in the Resort Complex and the rate will be $109 per night. Reserve online or call 1-800-826-8272.
Alternate accommodations can be found in Osage Beach. One is the Hawk's Nest Lodge at $79.00 for 2 people per night. (573) 348-1741 for reservations.
The other we found is the Country Hearth Inn for $79.99 – 2 people per room. Call(573) 365-4566 to reserve a room.
Camping and rustic cabins are also available at nearby Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
- Brookside Motorcycle Company
- Green Country Cycle City
- 1888FastLap.com
- The Kinetic Playground
- Places 2 Ride
- Ride Oklahoma
First off, thanks to the sponsors who are helping make the second Precious Moments Tour possible. Their names are proudly displayed on your right. We've also provided a link to their websites for your convenience.
Precious Moments Tour
May 16-18, 2008
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is about 90 miles north of Springfield, MO. The weekend is fast approaching but it's not too late to register. Registration gets you the ubiquitous event T-shirt, our handy route sheet and the chance to win coveted awards most motorcyclists can only dream of. Advance registration (before May 15) is only $10 and on-site will be $15. Cheap.
Our headquarters will be the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO. The resort offers a wide range of conveniences within walking distance- a coffee shop, bar, water park and restaurants ranging from Burger King to a full buffet. The basic rooms offer two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Tan-Tar-A offers a special $99 rate for those staying three nights. Otherwise choose a "non-lakeview" room in the Resort Complex and the rate will be $109 per night. Reserve online or call 1-800-826-8272.Alternate accommodations can be found in Osage Beach. One is the Hawk's Nest Lodge at $79.00 for 2 people per night. (573) 348-1741 for reservations.
The other we found is the Country Hearth Inn for $79.99 – 2 people per room. Call(573) 365-4566 to reserve a room.
Camping and rustic cabins are also available at nearby Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
0 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Monday, April 7, 2008 at
9:39 AM.
Here's a current list of motorcycle-related events in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Bookmark this page for quick access to future info!Is your upcoming event listed?
If not add it now, it's free and easy!
Motorcycle Events Calendar
- Mid Summer Thunder
7/24/2008
Eufaula, OK
Rally - Trike Riders International Rally
7/24/2008
Sikeston, MO
Rally - CMRA Motorcycle Road Races
7/25/2008
Hallett, OK
Track Day - Biker Boyz Weekend
7/25/2008
Tulsa, OK
Gala Event - Tornado Alley Bikers & Barbeque
8/1/2008
Sallisaw, OK
Poker Run - Dog Days of Summer
8/8/2008
Marshall, TX
Rally - NESBA Track Day
8/9/2008
Hallett, OK
Track Day - Rally in the Valley
9/19/2008
Water Valley, TX
Other - Rumble On The River
9/19/2008
Bandera, TX
Rally - Forever Free
9/26/2008
Lone Oak, TX
Rally - Iron Angels
11/14/2008
Liberty, TX
Rally - Thunder In The Hill Country
3/27/2009
Bandera, TX
Rally - Precious Moments Tour
5/15/2009
Osage Beach, MO
Rally
Event listings courtesy Places2ride.com
0 Comments
Published by Rex Brown
on Friday, April 4, 2008 at
7:19 AM.
