Night Riding Vision - Fight The Night

By the time you read this most of the country will have made the switch to Daylight Saving Time. Sure, I'm tickled to have that extra hour of light, but I'll still face the occasional post-sunset commute home. And night riding just ain't the thrill it used to be when I was a young buck. Generally speaking, your ability to see at night deteriorates with age, and a twilight spin in my mid-40s demands way more preparation to keep the excitement meter from going off the dial. You've probably heard the sobering stats: A disproportionately high rate of accidents occur between dusk and dawn.

The most basic issue-get ready now -is lack of visibility. The wonks at the National Safety Council (NSC) confirm that 90 percent of a rider's reaction depends on vision. And the nighttime riding disadvantage is compounded by the vagaries of getting older. At the back of my mind I keep hearing "The eyes are the first things to go."

Add roads with no overhead lighting, the sensitivity to light (headlights) many riders and drivers experience and the compromised distance vision of aging riders, and it's easy to see why it can be a battlefield out there at night. And if you think it's a stretch for drivers to spot motorcyclists in the full light of day, our single headlight is essentially invisible to the cagers after sundown. Apart from watching out for tired, clueless drivers, there's also Bambi to consider; wild animals tend to be more active after dusk.

That's a handful, so we asked Los Angeles optometrist Dr. Diana Risko (also a longtime rider) for some, uh, clarity. "The retinas are mostly designed for light situations," she explains. "Only around 15 percent of their receptors are made for the dark. Darkness makes the eye's pupil expand [dilate], and the headlights of an oncoming car basically set off all the receptors in your eye, giving you only a white flash in your vision." She adds, "Astigmatism [a curve to the cornea] is fairly common and often doesn't require correction. But it can make blurred vision more likely and can contribute to eyestrain."

Before you get all gloomy, know there are ways to prepare for your ride once the sun goes down.

Prep

A simple way to arm yourself against the evening is to prep your ride. That means giving everything a thorough scrub before you hit the street. Headlights, taillights, signal lights, windshields and helmet visors should be cleaned at least twice a week.

If you ride with a full-face helmet, make sure the shield is scratch- and fog-free. A scored visor can create light refraction and make two headlights seem like four; you won't know what's coming from where. Keeping fog at bay is a breeze with our favorite home remedy: Remove your helmet's visor and spit over the inside of it. Wipe your drool off with a clean rag, and bam!-antifog coating. (Shaving cream has a similar effect.) There are a variety of inexpensive solutions available that do the trick, too-we like Cat Crap ($3.99) for the cool name. Bigger spenders can spring for Fog City's Pro Shield antifog inserts. Any of them are more effective than sliding your fingers behind the shield to wipe it on the road.

Blinded By The Light

Remember that glare is in the eye of the beholder. Middle-aged and older riders are more sensitive than younger guns, so if you're running high-output auxiliary lights, give the other guy a break. The brighter beams can easily blind the very people you're trying to get to notice you. A teacher at the AARP Driver Safety Program course (participants age 55-plus) tells us he often hears complaints about motorcycle headlights being too bright. With the average driver's age on the rise, it's food for thought.

HID lights are also showing up on more bikes and cars in the U.S. Mounted on your machine you'll love their broader, brighter light. If you're on the other side of those bluish beams, though, you'll curse the blinding rays. As a common courtesy keep your lights on low when you're behind the other guy. And if a driver zaps you from the opposite direction, training your eye on the right edge of the road can help as a steering guide.

Dial 'er Down

Because night riding reduces both the distance and quality of what you see, you might want to keep a lighter touch on the throttle-especially if you're in the boonies. It'll be tougher to determine surface condition as well as the road's general direction at night, key points on unlit country lanes. Be prepared to stop if you're confused-don't guess. If you can, use the lights of other nearby vehicles as well as your own to keep an eye on the road and give yourself room to react.

In turns, make sure you have plenty of lean angle in reserve. If the turn tightens or the pavement changes, you may need the extra runoff.

Pick A Spot

Don't settle in behind a large truck or any vehicle's blind spot-get your motorcycle where it can be seen. The center of the lane is probably your best bet (you'll blend into street lighting if you ride too far on the road's edge). Give yourself plenty of room when passing other vehicles so you can adjust if they decide to shimmy over.

Rest Up

It's not a good idea to ride when you're tired, anyway. Long hauls in the evening can easily leave you in autopilot mode. You may not react to hazards as quickly as you would during the day. Changing up your speed and taking regular breaks is the best way to fight fatigue on long nighttime journeys. Snack and stretch-the movement and light food will help ward off tiredness.

Over Here

It's also in your best interest to make yourself a little larger than life. We've said it repeatedly in these pages: Wearing bright clothing and reflective material makes you pop at night. The biggest thing a following driver sees is your back, so get some reflectivity back there. Streetglo.net stocks DOT-approved, motorcycle-specific stick-on tape for less than $10 a roll. Oh, and make sure you use your turn signals so the zomb . . . er, people around you know what you're about to do.

Let There Be Light

As you might expect, your bike's lighting is your biggest weapon. Even simple things like ensuring your headlight and taillights have good-quality bulbs and clean lenses will yield big gains. If light quality is subpar, consider adding dual running lights; three properly aimed headlights are much more noticeable than one. Current styling trends have also led many manufacturers to use undersized brake lighting. If your rear light is a dot, think about swapping in a larger model. Halogen lamps-up to 30 percent brighter than stockers-can be had for less than $15.

Ready, Aim

In their dogged quest for style many manufacturers aim the headlight lower than the legal angle. Consult your owner's manual, then peek into the headlight area to find the adjustment hardware and tweak away.

Eye, Aye

Last (but perhaps most importantly), get your eyes checked. One quick visit can diagnose any problems. Dr. Risko says, "People with astigmatism are more likely to be disturbed by glare or light sensitivity. But almost all astigmatism can be corrected. Contacts are better for riding as they don't compromise peripheral vision like glasses do."


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Source: Motorcycle Cruiser (AP, 8/20)

Texas native Ray returns to site of first Pro Stock Motorcycle victory

When Michael Ray returns to Texas Motorplex this weekend for round two of the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s playoffs, he will enter his home track as a defending event winner.

That’s a great feeling for Ray, a native of New Braunfels, Texas, who defeated Karen Stoffer in the final last year to score his first victory in his first full season in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Ray’s family and friends were able to witness the event at a track just two hours from his home.

“For my mom and dad and everybody being there and all the sacrifices my parents made throughout their entire life, to see me be successful, it was awesome,” Ray said. “My dad busted his butt for one of those Wallys and never got one, and standing there with my father in victory lane and seeing the tears in his eyes and excitement was just like, ‘This is awesome.’ That is what I’ll never forget.”

Ray and all of the racers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series return to Texas Motorplex for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals Sept. 19-22, the second of six races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) join Ray as defending winners of the race that will be televised on ESPN2HD.

Ray has amassed two wins and two No. 1 qualifying positions in his first season with the Sovereign/Star Racing Buell team. He is fourth in the Countdown to the Championship, 48 points behind leader Hector Arana Jr., but he isn't letting the pressure get to him during the stretch run.

“I think so much of our team’s success is the character we all bring to the table and the fun that we have,” Ray continued. “I have a sticker on my dashboard that says, ‘Just add fun.’ That is all we do. We joke about it, and some people say, ‘You just don’t seem to be taking this very seriously,’ but there’s not another team that has a bigger fire lit under its butt than this one. But you have to have a lot of fun out here or this sport will eat you alive.”

Leading Ray, Scotty Pollacheck, and the Sovereign/Star Racing team is George Bryce, who is one of the most renowned crew chiefs in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. As a rider, he raced to four consecutive titles in the National Motorcycle Racing Association from 1981 to 1984. As a crew chief, he amassed 71 victories and earned six championships with John Myers and Angelle Sampey. His guidance and skills have put Ray in a position to succeed each time he climbs on his Buell.

“When you look back at the history he has at being a great crew chief, he is a magician on the track producing results,” Ray continued. “Those things for me being a young driver, I’m 29 and in my second full-time season, for me that is worth its weight in gold. It is like being a rookie quarterback and having a 20-year veteran back there being your mentor. He does such a good job.”

Following the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, only four races remain in the Countdown to the Championship. Ray and his team realize that to make a run for the championship crown in the two-wheel category, they must go rounds at each event.

“You can literally count how many rounds of racing there are left,” Ray concluded. “Right now, the first race coming off Charlotte coming into Dallas, I did a little comparison to last year, and I went in seventh in points, and I came out fourth. You can have one really great race and set yourself up.”

For Ray to recapture glory at Texas Motorplex, he will have to outlast a tough field of competitors. Series leader Arana heads the class with four wins aboard his Lucas Oil Buell, and Matt Smith, Hall, defending world champ Eddie Krawiec, and Hector Arana Sr. will be contenders.

As always, every ticket purchased for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is a pit pass, which offers an extraordinary look behind the scenes in the world of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly skilled mechanics service their high-horsepower machines between rounds and enjoy cherished face time with their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans will also want to check out NHRA Nitro Alley and the popular NHRA Manufacturers Midway, where manufacturers and sponsors create a carnival atmosphere with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and freebies. Fans will also want to take advantage of Championship Sunday for the fun fan zone, featuring driver introductions and a special Track Walk at 9:30 a.m. It’s free to all Sunday ticket holders.

AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying opens Friday, Sept. 20, with sessions at 2:15 and 5:15 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

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Source: NHRA (AP, 09/19)

Two-Wheels, Two-Reasons, Two Seasons: A Eureka Springs Motorcycle Adventure

All over the “lower 48”, men and woman who love their motorcycles are marking days off of their calendars as they count down to when they will pull on their leathers, fire up their bikes and start their adventurous ride to the Arkansas Ozarks and one of “America’s Distinctive Destinations”, Eureka Springs. The reasons are two-fold and it all centers on “pork” …The Pig Trail and Bikes Blues & BBQ.

The Pig Trail is a not-so-straight ribbon of asphalt; in fact, the ribbon that looks like someone has scraped it across the edge of a scissor blade. It stretches, for all practical and awesome purposes, from Interstate 40 near Ozark (AR) north along State Highway 23 to Eureka Springs, the gateway to northwest Arkansas. This 80-mile route is universally praised in motorcycle magazines, on biker websites, and even by The Discovery Channel for being one of the best in America. For example, MotorycleRoads.com has elevated the Pig Trail to the number eight position in their most recent “top 100” poll. BikerBudz.com gives it a “highly recommend” while Motorcycle-USA.com refers to it as “my new favorite ride”. The Discovery Channel has given the Pig Trail its highest mark yet: number two in the nation.

The official National Scenic Byways’ 19-mile portion of the Pig Trail starts as you enter the Ozark National Forest from the south and ends near Brashears (AR) as you exit the national forest to the north. This route, which crosses both the Mulberry and the White rivers, has so many S-curves that motorcyclists are forced to make dozens of ultra-quick right-to-left-to-right and back again leans; perfect first-gear switchbacks. But riders should not think the challenge of the ride is limited to “the forest”. It starts once you exit Interstate 40 heading north and doesn’t end until you put down your kickstand for the night in Eureka Springs.

“The Scenic Byways section of the Pig Trail may be like the most thrilling point in a roller coaster ride,” one biker explained, “but like a roller coaster, the runs on either side (11 miles to the south; 50 miles to the north) are pretty exciting too. For me, every year between late August and the Hunter’s Moon is when I enjoy the full 80-mile ride. ‘Cuz if you’re gonna ride the Pig Trail, ya gotta go whole hog.”

“The highway going up to Eureka Springs and all those around that town,” he continued, “are one exhilarating rush. I hub out of Eureka, a funky, biker-friendly mountain town with lots of places to stay, lots of places to play. I’ll spend four or five days searching out new Ozark roads with new crazy curves and new breathtaking sights. It’s like a rally every day. Plus Eureka’s only about 45 minutes from Fayetteville and the ‘triple-B’, Bikes Blues & BBQ.”

For Bikes Blues & BBQ the aforementioned “whole hog” is dressed, seasoned, grilled till tender, slathered with sauce, and then served up razorback-style when more than 400,000 bikers converge on Fayetteville (AR) for the four fabulous days of this event in September. This year this awesome fall festival goes from September 18th through the 21st.

“One of the best parts of Bikes Blues & BBQ,” a biker from Central Texas, who has not missed any one of the previous 13 annual events, proudly stated, “is that you don’t just get a festival, you get the Pig Trail and all of its Ozark side-roads. Me and my group like to arrive a couple days early or stay a couple days late to make sure we have plenty of time for day rides to and around Eureka on their fantastically freaky yellow-striped trails. We only wish we had routes like this back in Texas.”

To make it easy for those who attend Bikes Blues & BBQ to find new, thrilling nearby routes, both the event and Eureka Springs have online sites for maps and directions: http://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/rally-info/maps-directions/ and http://www.eurekaspringsmotorcycleroutes.com/ .

If you are unable to attend the “triple-B event” do not despair, because “does Mother Nature have a deal for you” in October and often through early November!

There is no more lovely autumn color than the reds, oranges, golds and violets of the Ozarks when fall falls. To help you with perfect timing, the State of Arkansas, beginning in September each year, has a “fall color updates” page on their very popular Arkansas.com website.

And speaking of the State of Arkansas, their Department of Parks & Tourism has developed a short movie that will whet your appetite and make you hungry for a motorcycle vacation to “The Natural State”. It just so happens that a local motorcycle enthusiast who is also the Mayor of Eureka Springs, Morris Pate, narrates the movie. His narration begins with him and his 2001 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic parked in front of the “Little Golden Gate Bridge” just a few minutes west from downtown Eureka. “The Beaver Bridge is a landmark that must not be missed,” bragged Mayor Pate. “This beautiful old wooden suspension bridge was built in 1949 and is 554 feet long, only 11 feet wide and has been painted a bright yellow. Because it is so narrow, traffic can only move one way at a time across the span. So hold your breath and grip tight, this is one bumpy and thrilling ride on two wheels.”

So whether you ride the Ozarks in late summer, late fall or anytime in between, you will be glad you did. “No matter how many other motorcycle routes you’ve been on,” concluded our Texas biker, “once you’ve conquered the Pig Trail and its web of side-roads, you’ll be happier than a hog in slop.”

Special packages just for bikers can be found at numerous web sites.

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Source: The Beebee News (AP, 9/05)

Pressure Points: Understanding tire air management

Running the proper air pressure in your motorcycle tire is critical. With a relatively small contact patch, and just two wheels connecting you and your bike to the road, the wrong air pressure can have a large effect on safety, performance, tire life, fuel mileage and even the operation of other components, such as suspension or steering.

Few understand the hows and whys of tire air management better than tire manufacturers. We recently caught up with Casey Morris with Michelin to discuss some of the finer points of maintaining your tires.

"Thanks to more than a century of tire technology research, Michelin engineers have found that there's a certain amount of deflection in the tire profile that's optimal for balancing road grip, handling, comfort and durability," Morris says. "That optimum deflection is based upon the tire's construction, the load -- including the weight of the driver and rider -- and the intended use of the motorcycle."

To achieve that optimum deflection, it's up to the motorcycles owners to make sure they keep their tires inflated correctly.

Morris says that during recent events, Michelin engineers checked the air pressure on participants' bikes and found that more than one-third of all motorcycles at these events had improperly inflated tires.

"We found that the front tire pressure was better maintained than the rear tire pressure," Morris says. "Most likely because it is frequently more difficult to access the rear tire inflation stem. But proper inflation in both tires is critical for keeping your motorcycle stable, upright and performing at its best."

Air pressure is particularly important during the peak travel seasons of late summer and early fall for several reasons: warmer temperatures, longer trips and more travel two-up and heavily loaded.

The below tips offer several suggestions for keeping your tires in top shape. They should give you a reasonable guide of where to start before getting ready to jump on, saddle up and enjoy your ride.

If you want to...

Get out on the road more in the summer/early fall:

Then...

Check your pressure when the weather changes.

Also, it’s normal for tires to gradually lose air pressure by as much as one or two pounds per month.

Be safe on the road:

Use motorcycle’s manufacturer’s recommended pressure

Correct tire pressure reduces the risk of tire damage or failure. The wrong tire pressure compromises braking, cornering and stability. Always use the motorcycle’s manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can be found on the bike placard or in the owner’s manual.

Have a comfortable, smooth ride while maintaining grip, handling and feedback:

Don’t over inflate or under inflate your tires

Over inflation means that less of the tire is actually in contact with the road, meaning there is less available grip. Over inflation also causes the tire to be too stiff, causing a harsh and unpleasant ride. Under inflation adds friction and heat by increasing the sidewall deflection and increasing the area of the tire that is in contact with the road. This excess friction and heat shortens the life of the tire.

Load up your bike for a long road trip:

Know your vehicle weight and load

Riding an overloaded motorcycle is dangerous. Overloading causes excessive heat to build up in your tires, which can lead to tire failure. Be aware of the maximum load rating stamped on the sidewall of your tires, the maximum axle weight rating, and the maximum vehicle load capacity – and never exceed any of them.

Keep your tires rolling for a long time:

Check for wear and proper inflation

Improper inflation can cause uneven tread wear, which will reduce tire longevity. Both over inflation and under inflation cause the tires to age prematurely.

Be a smart, responsible rider:

Check your tire pressure regularly with a reliable gauge

Motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend checking pressure at least once every two weeks. Do not trust your eyes. It’s virtually impossible to determine if a tire is correctly inflated simply by looking at it.

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Source: AMA (AP, 8/29)

Drivers ready to keep championship momentum going in Ennis

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals returns to the Texas Motorplex, Sept. 19-22.

Texas-based drivers Spencer Massey, Steve Torrence, Alexis DeJoria and defending event Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Michael Ray are ready to saddle up in their home state and give Lone Star fans a Texas-sized helping of 8,000-horsepower, nitromethane-burning action. Everything is bigger in Texas, and the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is sure to pack an extra-large dose of chest-thumping excitement when it arrives at the Texas Motorplex.

After all, the legendary facility is one of four all-concrete dragstrips on the NHRA circuit, which provides crew chiefs with an excellent opportunity to achieve national record performances.

The event, which is the second chance for Countdown to the Championship teams to earn points, takes place just a week after the playoff series-opener in Charlotte, making for a quick turnaround for the contenders.

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is the 20th of 24 events in the 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the second of six races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Last season, defending world champion Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Ray (Pro Stock Motorcycle) earned victories at the event that will once again be televised on ESPN2 HD.

In Top Fuel, five-time event winner Tony Schumacher and his U.S. Army Dragster team wants nothing more than to seal a sixth race victory in Dallas to help him finish off his season with an eighth series world championship title. But there are several drivers with the same objective, including points leader Shawn Langdon, who has four season wins in his Al-Anabi Racing dragster and defending event winner and world champ Brown, who drives the Matco Tools dragster.

In Funny Car, Virginia cattle rancher Matt Hagan leads the series standings with four season victories at the controls of his Magneti Marelli Dodge Charger and will be trying to earn his second victory at the Motorplex.

Others to watch include the Force powerhouse that includes 15-time world champion John Force, his youngest daughter Courtney, a two-time winner this season, and two-time Motorplex winner and Auto Club Ford Mustang driver Robert Hight.

Tickets for the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals are available now, ranging from just $10 to $380 for weekend packages. Youth tickets for children 12 and under start as low as $5.

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Source: WaxahachieTX (AP, 8/26)

CMRA Racing At The MotorSport Ranch, In Cresson, Texas This Coming Weekend

This coming weekend, August 23-25, 2013, the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) will be tearing up the track at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas. The track is located 14 miles south of Fort Worth on Highway 377, and the 1.7-mile, 11-turn track will be run counterclockwise this weekend.

The weekend activities begin at 7:00 a.m. Friday with a CMRA License school, racer practice and street-rider track day provided by Lone Star Track Days.

Saturday's schedule begins at 8:00 a.m. on the 1.7-mile track with Mini practice followed by a full slate of Mini sprint races including our one-of-a kind Junior Motard race designed for our youngest racers, ages 8-12, followed by Big Bike Endurance practice. The 6-Hour Big Bike Endurance begins promptly at 12:00, after the conclusion of the 30 minute lunch break. Activity on the “big track” concludes with a Track Walk from 6:40 – 7:40 p.m. Saturday's events conclude with a trophy presentation and track side racer/spectator Meet and Greet party.

Sunday's schedule is jam-packed with a full day's worth of exciting and competitive Big Bike sprint races. Qualifying for Sunday’s premier race, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1Racing Formula 1 Expert, begins at 9:45 a.m. The main event is the last race before the lunch break and the spectator lap of the track. Motorcycle road racing doesn't get much better than CMRA sprint racing where some of the fastest racers in the country grid up to show them how it's done in Texas!

There is live timing and scoring available for all the races via the Race Monitor App on mobile devices and online at www.cmraracing.com/timing.html Keep up with the action if you can't make it out to the track!

Gates open each day at 6:00 a.m. and we race rain or shine! Weekend entry into the event is only $15 on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and just $10 on Sunday. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Ride your street bike to the event and you'll pay just $5 for entry on both Saturday and Sunday! Kids 12 and under are free. A spectator lap of the track will be conducted during the lunch break on Sunday, schedule and weather permitting. Bring a cooler or visit the on-site mobile food truck. A special discount for 50% off official CMRA merchandise is available by printing the weekend flyer from the CMRA Home Page and bringing it to the merchandise booth at the track.

Please note that no pets are allowed at any of the CMRA race events and alcohol consumption is not permitted until racing is done for the day.

On behalf of our racers, the CMRA would like thank our 2013 Class Sponsors including: 212Decals.com, 995PaintWorks.com, Body Evolution Fitness Center, Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1 Racing, HighPerformanceCrew.com, House of Paint Designs, Houston Superbikes, Island Racing Services, K&N Motorcycles, Lone Star Track Days, Moto Liberty, North Texas Superbikes, OnRoad OffRoad Suspension, RaceworX, Relentless Swagg, Road & Track Suspension, Six Three Cycles, South Central Race Center, Texas Tornado Boot Camp, TMA@H2Rraceway and TrackTactics Track Days. Please remember to support the products and services of the companies who support you!

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Source: RoadRacingWorld (AP. 8/20)

Rick Fairless and Allstate launch motorcycle safety program

It’s well-known that riders tend to listen more closely when it’s one of their own bringing the message. Who better to bring up the hot topic of motorcycle safety than a rider known worldwide for his custom motorcycles, television appearances and owner of Strokers Dallas, a little slice of motorcycle heaven in Texas.

Clutch and Chrome caught up with custom bike builder and motorcycle celebrity Rick Fairless at Sturgis on Thursday to discuss his work with Allstate Insurance Company and their newest initiative under its Rider Protection Project portfolio, a series of programs all focused on making the roads a safer place to ride.

The latest initiative is the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest which looks to the riding community for their ideas on advancing motorcycle safety and awareness. Good Ride Grants joins Rider Risk Map, Once is Never Enough (O.N.E.) and other rider advocacy initiatives, all part of Allstate’s commitment to protecting riders.

Putting money where their heart is Allstate Insurance Company’s Good Ride Grants will award a combined total of $25,000 to contest winners with the best ideas. Now through Aug. 31, 2013, contest applicants may submit their Good Ride Grant submissions through the designated tab on Allstate Motorcycle’s Facebook page. Entries are welcome from anyone, including local governments, dealerships, rider clubs and individuals.

“Riding a motorcycle presents a feeling of freedom, adventure and camaraderie with fellow riders, but we also know the risks that come along with it,” said Keith Rutman, vice president of Allstate's Powersports unit. “The Good Ride Grant program allows Allstate to continue our mission of protecting riders while also keeping an open ear to the riding community and what they feel is important.”

The first 1,000 contest entries to be submitted before Aug. 31 will be reviewed and finalists will be chosen by a six-person judging committee, comprising of representatives from Allstate and a diverse collection of motorcycle industry professionals, including custom motorcycle builder Rick Fairless.

“I’m proud to partner with Allstate on an issue that has always been top of mind for me, and I think that the Good Ride Grant program is a great way to empower our riding community to help each other protect what is a lifestyle for so many of us by making it as safe as possible,” said Fairless.

“There are lots of people out there that ride and lots of ideas,” Rick says,’ Give’em to me. What’s the ideas, we’re going to take the idea’s and whittle them down.”

Joining Fairless on the judging committee is Keith Rutman, vice president of Allstate's Powersports unit; Rusty Creed, Allstate agency owner; Rod Krois, Indian Motorcycle’s Marketing Director; Bryan Harley, Motorcycle USA Editor; and Don Becklin, Motorcycle Superstore / Motorcycle USA founder and Motorsport Aftermarket Group’s retail group president.

Both Allstate Insurance Company and Rick obviously enjoy working together, the two are on their third year of bringing similar programs and initiatives to the riding community.

In September, the judges will determine the top 15 finalists. The finalists will then be featured on the Allstate Motorcycle Facebook page, where fans can vote for their favorite ideas. The five finalists with the highest overall contest scores by Oct. 31 will each receive a $5,000 grant to help put their ideas into action.

Complete details on the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest and details on how to submit an idea, visit Facebook.com/AllstateMotorcycle and click on the Good Ride Grant tab icon.

During the interview, it’s clear that Rick is riding what he’s promoting, motorcycle safety and awareness.

“It's not only how I’m riding but how I’m trying to get my children to ride,” Rick explains, “My daughter Lena is up here with me and she rides with me. I’m staying out of the blind spots and when I’m turning the corner I’m looking to see if there’s gravel or oil along the road.”

“When I’m going down the road I’m watching what’s going behind me as well as all around me,” he explains further.

Motorcycle safety education is obviously key according to the current initiative as well as the legendary bike builder.

“You have to teach the young people how to ride,” he explains “I had to teach my daughter to look behind her when she stops at a stop sign to make sure that jack behind you is putting on his brakes too!”

“It’s awareness and education and that’s the kind of stuff we’re trying to do [with Allstate Insurance Company] and I’m doing more [of this] now than I did ten years ago,” he says.

And Rick is a firm believer of motorcycle safety courses. He noted that in the state of Texas new riders are required to take a motorcycle safety course to qualify for a motorcycle endorsement on their license.

“I was big behind that requirement,” Rick proudly says, “You’ve got to get an official trainer to show you those things.”

Thursday was the first day of the Allstate Good Ride Grant contest and the reaction has been great according to Fairless.

“Everybody that rides wants it to be safer. Now bikers who sit around and say those ‘sure wishes’ can take them and turn the ‘sure wishes’ into a reality with the Good Ride Grant program,” he says.

“Just don’t sit around talking about it,” Rick continues taking on a slightly sterner tone, “let’s do something about it!”

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Source: Clutch and Chrome (AP, 8/09)