The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…The #1 Motorcycle Show in the US
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Things got a little loud and crazy on this “fun”(?) filled episode.
SOA Red Rose discussion, what does it all mean
Ken is still talking about winter riding tips.
We discuss gifts for the rider in your life… it starts off really well and then……………………..
Yamaha recalls 28 YFZ-R6 motorcycles.
2014 MotoGP crash statistics
MotoAmerica get a GREAT TV deal
Your motorcycle safety video for the day!!
I just watched the trailer for a new motorcycle related documentary/movie. “Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs” looks like it could be awesome. The film is a full-length documentary produced and directed by husband-wife team Eric and Geneva Ristau.
I am going to order a copy after the Christmas holiday is compete.
The film captures “15 dogs, 18 people and 3 wheels” and 25% of proceeds will go to animal rescue organizations. Motorcycles, dogs and a good charity, what more could you ask?
Good news if you are one of the lucky ones to have or are going to ride “The Dragon”.
If you ever watch any of the hundreds of videos of folks riding or driving this stretch of US Route 129 or if you have ridden on the road yourself you know at large trucks are as much as a hazard as anything else on the highway. Often times these truck take up more than both lanes as they try and navigate the 318 turns in 11miles and way to many times have caused terrible accidents.
The good news is that Tennessee is now following the lead of North Carolina in banning truck over 30 feet in length from traveling on the Dragon. While I am sure this will not end accidents on this highway, the ban can only improve the situation.
According to this article “1.4 million vehicles that traversed the Tennessee side of the Dragon between 2010 and 2012, there were total of 204 crashes — with motorcycles making up 82 percent of them.” During that period there were six deaths and one was due to an accident with a tractor trailer.
Signs informing truck drivers of the new restrictions will be installed in early 2015.
Debbie and road the Dragon and the nearby Cherohala Skyway a few years ago with a bunch of our friends. We left Northern Virginia, taking the Blue Ridge Parkway to Deal’s Gap. After riding those two road we went north through Chattanooga to Louisville, KY then to Parkersburg, WV.
STORM CHASER POWERS ACTIVATE!
The trip from Parkersburg back to Virginia was the hardest part of the entire 1400 mile ride. Hurricane Irene, which was not supposed to make landfall here, turned right into us. We rode through at least three squall lines before pulling into the garage just minutes before the main storm hit us.
STORM CHASER POWERS DEACTIVATE!
If you have not ridden the Tail of the Dragon, you need to add it to your bucket list. It is well worth your time.
Not sure what to get for the motorcyclist/biker?
I have complied a list of 9 items for you to consider (again everyone does 10 and 11 is to many for me 🙂 With the exception of the idea for a new helmet, most of the items listed here are under $100 US.
Tire Puncture Kit – Might be a good idea to have one available. Make sure you know what kind of tires they have (tubed/tubeless). For example, if they have tubeless tires this kit from Stop and Go has everything they would need for a “quick” fix on the road.
Micro Tire Pump – If the puncture kit does not include (or you don’t prefer) CO2 cartridges then a small pump might be for your rider. Plus with one of these small pumps you can top off your tires anytime you need. The Slime 40001 motorcycle tire inflator is small and has a lot of good reviews.
Battery Tender – If I was lucky you read my post on preparing a motorcycle for winter storage. One of the items on the list was the use of a battery tender to ensure the battery survives the cold. I can recommend Battery Tender Battery Plus, I have been using it for a few years without problems. It comes with every connection your rider should need to hook up the battery to life support.
New Riding Gloves – There are so many types and styles of gloves available there can be no one recommendation. Take a look at what your rider currently has; if the gloves are well worn you might not be wrong by just replacing with the same brand/style.
MotoAmerica Tickets – The new all American road race series was released their schedule for 2015. If the MotoAmerica series is coming to a track near your home, tickets for you and your rider should be on your gift list. If you are outside the US consider local race series or even MotoGP.
New Helmet – Is your rider’s helmet more than five years old or has some damage? Consider getting her or him a “gift certificate” for a new helmet. I recommend the certificate because you will never get this one right…the wrong size, style, color, make, model, visor would only disappoint both of you.
Movies – Whether you buy DVDs or download here are a couple of classics (IMHO).
The World’s Fastest Indian Easy Rider
Across the Dirt: Dirt Bike Documentary Long Way Round
Chrome – Riding a Harley Davidson? It would be hard to go wrong with chrome. If you are not sure what chrome to buy find a dull or dark part of your riders Hog, go to the dealership and point out the spot on a like bike.
Membership in the AMA – It does not matter what you rider rides or where they ride the American Motorcyclist Association (or similar organization if you are not in the US) is there to help ensure that our rights are not infringed. There are different types of memberships and you can get roadside assistance as one of the options.
Over the years we have be given or bought a few motorcycle Christmas ornaments. This year my wife decided that we needed to have a motorcycle Christmas tree to display said decorations. Most of the ornaments are Harley Davidson related, as that is what we ride, but thought you might be interested anyway.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 