Cycle Connections

Many of us are familiar with the rhyme “April showers bring May flowers.” The rhyme originated in the northeastern United States and reflects more accurately their weather pattern. Here in the Midwest, ours showers begin in March, along with strong west coast and southern prevailing jet streams pushing back the northern cold fronts. This environmental combination ignites our natural urges to fire up our rides and roar down the road, showing off new bikes or new parts, chrome and paint we’ve added to our rides over the cold winter months. To help ward off any serious problems, you need to…

I was just beginning to think we might get by this year with another mild winter; that is until the January 4 and 25 artic front and ice storm blew into town bringing well below freezing temperatures. Needless to say, I connected the battery tender and put one more blanket over my motorized steed. Now most of us will have to wait for this cold weather pattern to move on, as not many brave souls will venture out on their bikes in these frigid temperatures. Although, all is not lost, as this is a good time to put on any…

For years, helmet laws have been a topic of debate, and always will be. There are currently 3 helmet-free states, 21 helmet-restricted states and 26 helmet-required states.I could print a bunch of boring numbers and statistics on motorcycle related accidents and deaths, in which helmets may or may not have been a factor, however, because numbers can be twisted and manipulated into whatever results the statistician wants you to see, let's skip all the numbers crap and jump straight to the point.On one side of the fence are the bureaucrats, whose main goal in life is to keep the masses…

This is a great time of year for all riders! Now, wait a minute, give me a chance to explain! I know that most riders are catching a bit of chill in the air, and not getting as much saddle time as we all would like. However, this is the time to take stock in what new motorcycle safety products are available and get them on our Christmas list. This will serve two purposes: one, you actually provide a list to your significant other and/or children, thus making them happy; and secondly, you get exactly what you want - no…

Deer activity around Kansas and Missouri roadways poses a seasonal traffic hazard, primarily because breeding season is from October to December. During this time, law enforcement officers investigate a large number of deer-vehicle collisions. The Kansas Highway Patrol advises all motorists and riders to be aware of this potential danger and use extra caution. The following stories are true; one was lucky, the other was not. One rider knows better than most, the unpleasant rite of fall that is dangerous for riders and deer. 'It was about 10:30 at night,' he said, recalling the accident that occurred as he rode…

When most bikers think of fall riding, they conjure up a near-idyllic riding experience complete with colorful fall foliage, empty highways and clear, cool days. Many fall days indeed live up to their expectations, but those picture-perfect days have a way of changing quickly as the seasons change.Unpredictable weather during the fall months can and will create hazardous riding conditions and motorcyclists need to begin preparing for this change before they jump in the saddle on a cool brisk day. The weather can change dramatically in just a couple of hours, causing the rider to deal with possible increased precipitation…