Every new year, we look forward to the press releases of new and/or upgraded motorcycles soon to debut. It’s an annual ritual in our world, and 2025 is no different. We peruse the press docs, dream and scheme about how we might get a ride on the ones we really like, and start making plans. Most of the bikes we dream about we eventually get a chance to sample; others, not so much. But it’s fun to dream, right?
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In my 71 years of life, I have almost always found that spending a few more dollars on buying a quality product is cheaper in the long run, because the product usually lasts longer and will offer conveniences and features that lesser quality products do not. That goes for many items, like large and small household appliances, tools, furniture, and almost anything you view as non-disposable. I seldom regret buying a high quality item. So when a company called Peak Design contacted us about sampling and reviewing their all-new cell phone mounts for motorcycles, we of course were willing to try them out.
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Three decades ago, when I first began to ride motorcycles, I rode V-Twin cruiser bikes. And not knowing much, I dressed in the clothing I saw other cruiser riders wear . . . leather jacket, jeans, cowboy boots, fingerless gloves, and a helmet. A few months later, a car turned left in front of me, and I skidded to a near stop before gently hitting the car’s front bumper. But I fell over, and my left foot got caught under the bike as it tipped over, causing my ankle to twist inside the boot and I got a severe sprained ankle with stretched ligaments and muscles, keeping me off my foot for about 6 weeks. It was then that I started to research better protective gear.
That’s when I discovered Alpinestars.
Here’s what is most important about the Slingshot: I’m grateful that there is a company out there THAT MAKES A VEHICLE LIKE THIS TODAY. I used to say that about Chrysler cars, with their incredible (if unnecessary) horsepower. And about Ford, and Chevy too, who made several performance models for everyday prices. But they don’t anymore. This isn’t a car, it isn’t a motorcycle, IT’S A FUN MACHINE. It’s loud, brash, unrefined, raw and industrial. It’s a bare knuckle, in your face roadster, and Polaris makes no attempt to apologize for it. It’s a vehicle that begs to be driven it like you stole it, every time you take it out. You have to drive this car, not be driven by it.
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The call came in early on a gray, wintry, February Monday morning. I was sitting at my desk preparing my activities for the day. It was the call that every motorcycle rider dreads getting- “Ken, it’s John.” Just the sound and tone of John’s voice told me this wasn’t going to be a happy chat. “Robert’s been in an motorcycle accident . . .it’s bad . . .real bad.” Those quiet words stabbed me like an icicle into my heart and sent a chill through my body that I can still replicate to this day.
Read MoreThe National Veterans Awareness Ride takes place each May but its effects on the Veterans in the hospitals and on the participants on the ride last forever. The National Veterans Awareness Ride (NVAR) is the annual national event that is organized and executed by the National Veterans Awareness Organization. The ride begins in Auburn, CA, on May 14, 2024, just outside of Sacramento, and ends two weeks later in Washington, DC. on May 25. During those two weeks, several hundred motorcycle riding NVAR participants stop in veterans hospitals and veterans homes all along the way. They participate in local memorial services for veterans who have paid the ultimate price for America’s freedom. They speak in schools about service to our country, and the importance of appreciating and respecting the sacrifices of members of the military.
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Spring is in the air! Or trying to get in the air, if you’re in the more northern latitudes. But we know we are close to warmer temperatures, and we’re going to want to get the motorcycle out and go for a ride. So it’s best to get started now and prepare yourself and your bike for the season. I know it may still be cold or rainy for some, but don’t procrastinate about getting ready now.
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I have 42 years of experience with an outstanding wife who would rather I take long motorcycle trips without her, but who has accompanied me on rare occasions for long weekend trips. I also have spent many days on the road traveling with a multitude of friends and their wives or significant others on long trips to Sturgis and other places, so I believe I have learned some useful tips to pass along.
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If we as motorcyclists rant and rave about drivers who are distracted by their phones, or fiddling with their sophisticated in-car infotainment systems, and who put our lives in danger every time we ride, we can’t be doing the same things while piloting our own motorcycles. We’ve got to be totally focused on the road and our surroundings in order to stay as safe as possible. We can’t decry driver’s behavior, but think that it’s okay for us to recklessly behave the same way.
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