Posted by Gary on February 14, 2000 at 05:52:54:

  Rider Education

Well it’s fall and the forecast calls for flurries this Saturday. I miss those days I thought it was to hot to ride. There are those of us who don’t stop riding as the weather changes and I would like to give you one last list this year for safe riding.

- Inspect the bike.
- When were your brakes last changed? Look for the slot. Don’t know what the slot is? See me or your owners manual.
- Do you have enough tire tread?
- What condition is you battery in? If you use electric then check it out.
- Check tire pressure every time you ride.
- Dress in layers and remove some as the day warms then put back on as the day cools in the afternoon.
- Bring more than one pair of gloves.
- Fluids are still important this time of year. Get for coffee when you stop for fuel.
- Get off the bike when fueling.
- Don’t forget the rain suit, it blocks the wind better than anything else you can put on.
- Now is a good time to switch to a full face helmet for more comfort and increased safety.
- Watch the weather channel.
- Watch the weather channel.
- Watch the weather channel.
- Dress for the worst of the weather.
- Watch the weather channel.
- As the sun rises, watch for frost in the shady areas of the road in the morning.
- Of course we all know to watch out for the leaves, what under them?
- Watch out for other motorists, they do not expect to see motorcyclists at this time of year.
- Rut!
- Watch out for the does running from the bucks.
- Goeat!

What ever you do, ride safe, ride like nobody can see you.

Are you putting the bike up for the season, follow the information in your owners manual.

Looking for something to do when not on the bike? Come help me fix my yard. Just kidding. I still would like to have those over to my house in Jan and Feb for a few safety courses as I mentioned in the news letter last month. I will even have hamburgers and hot dogs for all. Desserts are welcome and will be appreciated by all.

Tosh hasn’t given me permission to do the RSS and ERC classroom offsite yet but I expect him to OK that in the near future. Motorcycle Ohio Director thinks it will pass the state requirements and is checking on any insurance waivers required. If we are successful at this it means we have the greatest opportunity as a chapter to get an RSS or ERC at our convenience not someone else’s.

I am sorry I can’t be with you at the chapter meeting but I am on my way to Texas on business (and on the bike). This is my last long trip of the year. This year has been good to me. I would like to thank those of you who are interested in rider safety for your input and questions. Remember I don’t have all the answers nor am I the riding expert of the chapter. There are many more experienced riders in our chapter and all truly support Rider Education in one way or another. I’m sure we as a chapter have logged more than 100,000 miles safe miles this year. That is a great accomplishment. Reflect on this year’s riding and resolve next year to practice, practice, practice, practice and practice. Strive to continue your accumulation of safe miles.

Ride Safe, Ride Smart.

Gary