International Flavor Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge

A week prior to Rider's Edge New Rider Course (NRC), I received my class roster and noticed three of the eight students were from Singapore and worked for the Motor Company!  The company being Harley-Davidson of course.  So were these three company plants to see how we at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson are conducting Rider's Edge, were they here to critique me?  Either way, I was looking forward to teaching new riders the importance of being skilled, riding smart and always being safe.

The first classroom session was typical, quiet as students kept to themselves, but by the next night we started to learn a more about each other and why these three from Singapore were in here.  Harley-Davidson annually holds a Dealer Show that showcases new products such as motorcycles (dah!) and motor clothes.  This year's Dealer Show was held at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee!  Our International Connection was here for the Dealer Show and since Wisconsin HD holds a few classes for Riders Edge Thursday - Sunday, they thought it best to take advantage of learning to ride before they got busy working the show.

It was interesting to learn that in Singapore, motorcycle licenses are issued in one of three different endorsements.  First off, upon successful completion of a class, riders are provided with a Class 2B license, this is valid for operation of motorcycles size 200cc or smaller.  After one year of riding with a Class 2B, motorcyclists can take a riding test and upon successful completion move into a Class 2A, good for operation up to a 400cc motorcycle.  Again, after one year operating a 201cc-400cc, and passing a skill evaluation, the rider can move into the final step, a Class 2 License valid for those motorcycles larger than a 401cc.  This is a 3 Tier Graduated Motorcycle License and law in Singapore.

In May 2011, Harley-Davidson announced that Singapore would be the Asian-Pacific Headquarters of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.  The Asian-Pacific Region accounted for 9.4% of motorcycle sales for the Motor Company.  The three students in Wisconsin HD Riders Edge Class all work in the Asian-Pacific Region HD Headquarters.  They forecast the motorcycle sales and delivery schedule.

All eight of our students successfully completed the NRC and received their motorcycle waivers.  I forgot to mention that the three from Singapore, NEVER rode a motorcycle prior to this class!  You may see many people in Milwaukee this next week wearing Harley-Davidson apparel, the Dealer Show ends this coming Friday.  Soon the 2013 Models will be hitting the showroom floors getting ready for the 110 Anniversary next year.  Hopefully JK, Hee-Jung and Peter will have an opportunity to visit Milwaukee next year for Anniversary, and if so, our house will welcome them without hesitation.

It was interesting to learn, set the record straight that the Motor Company has "plants" in Brazil and India, but that these plants are for "assembly" not "manufacturing".  The tariffs in foreign countries place a huge fee on a fully assembled Harley-Davidson, though by shipping parts and having assembly take place in that country, the tariffs are less.  Don't ask why, cause I still don't understand.

If you are a rider, ever dreamed of riding or know someone who rides, chances are Harley-Davidson has come into the conversation.  Harley-Davidson is known world-wide and there exists a connection and commonality to others once you ride one.  As the saying goes, "If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand".

Comments are always welcome.  See the link below this article.

Black Hills 2012

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WE RODE OURS TO STURGIS 2012!

Routes had been created on Harley-Davidson's site "Plan Your Ride", hotel reservations, cabin rental, grocery list, motorcycle safety check and a welcome dinner all completed.  After ten months of planning, the day had finally arrived!  Two couples met in Watertown, while the other two met in Oregon.  Arrangements were made that breakfast would be at the Pine Cone Restaurant off of I-94 and Hwy 51 at 6:00am.  Marc, Jim and I each wore our Wisconsin Tourin' Hawgs "safety green" t-shirt.  Brad new to the "club" decided not to invest in one, but we made him an honorary member with a shirt that read, "Scooter, Sport, Scout...aka Prospect".  His of course did not have the full "Back Colors" that ours did, keep in mind he had to earn them!  Any highlighted words once "clicked" on lead to additional information.

Our first stop of any significance was in Albert Lea, MN at Bergdale Harley-Davidson.  After about an hour of shopping, ladies mostly (right Jen and Sabrina!?), it was time to ride-on!  After a few more hours, rest/gas/bathroom stops we checked into Mitchell, SD Days Inn at around 4:30pm CST, a ride that covered around 530 miles.  First things first, a walk to the gas station/convenience store next door for some adult liquid refreshments, then the pool, water slide and hot tub.  Later we played "Frogger" as we crossed a busy street to dine at Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant.  Brad even entertained us before the main course by balancing a spoon on his nose!

Sunday started with a quick ride over to The Corn Palace and some photo opps!  We filled our tanks prior to leaving Mitchell on our way to Chamberlain, SD.  

If ever there was a prize for best wayside in America, the one in Chamberlain would win HANDS DOWN!  Views of the Missouri River were spectacular!  After a needed break, we continued our westward adventure towards the Badlands National Park!  Before entering the park a must stop at the Badlands Trading Post was a must!  We had hoped for our first of many Buffalo Burgers, but settled for a wonderful Buffalo Hot Dog and needed mustard packets for the rest of the week!  Upon entering the Badlands, we were informed that many of the roads received a layer of pea gravel and oil!  A week before 700,000 motorcycles merge upon South Dakota!  Much of the pea gravel were in areas that had switchbacks and riders needed to roll-on their throttles.  This was a test of riding skills for sure.  After a short time, we were tested further with a steady rain, at least the temps weren't in the upper 90's as in past years!  The weather improved as we made our way to Wall.  What's a trip to South Dakota without stopping for ice cream at Wall Drug?  Our first stop in Wall was at Badlands Harley-Davidson.  As we later ate our ice cream we watched other riders arrive.  Before leaving Wall I was informed that one of my directional lights in front was out, this the only mishap after riding almost 900 miles!  We left Wall and rode to Rapid City Harley-Davidson.  A week before the Sturgis Rally and there were tents with vendors eagerly ready to lighten your wallet of those Benjamins.  While others shopped, I got my $5 replacement bulb.  After only about 30 minutes we were back on I-90 towards Sturgis and Boulder Canyon (Hwy 14A) towards Deadwood and Lead.  Our cabin was located a few miles west of Lead off of Hwy 85.  I found the cabin through VRBO and we all decided upon Cash's Sluce a part of the Gilded Mountain rentals.  Deadwood Connections, the rental agents agreed to do our grocery shopping prior to our arrival!  Our cabin had three bedrooms plus a loft, two 3/4 bathrooms and 1 full bathroom, two living rooms with flat-screen TV's and fireplaces, full kitchen, deck with hot tub and brand new A/C!  Since we arrived after 5:00pm, we agreed upon delivery pizza. 

One canyon ride completed the previous day, Monday we were off to ride Ice Box Canyon and Spearfish Canyon on our way to Devil's Tower, WY.  Both Canyons are located on Hwy 14A.  After some photo opps we arrived in Spearfish and made a stop at Walgreen's to render medical aid to "C" who may have injured his right knee earlier in the week.  A short ride on I-90 west took us to Sundance, WY where we exited (I-90, to Hwy 14, north to Hwy 24, after exiting Devil's Tower east on Hwy 24 to Hwy 34 into Belle Fourche and south on Hwy 85 into Spearfish).  Have you ever heard the folklore of how Devil's Tower came to be?

According to the Native American tribes of the Kiowa and Lakota Sioux, some girls went out to play and were spotted by several giant bears, who began to chase them. In an effort to escape the bears, the girls climbed atop a rock, fell to their knees, and prayed to the Great Spirit to save them. Hearing their prayers, the Great Spirit made the rock rise from the ground towards the heavens so that the bears could not reach the girls. The bears, in an effort to climb the rock, left deep claw marks in the sides, which had become too steep to climb. (Those are the marks which appear today on the sides of Devils Tower.) When the girls reached the sky, they were turned into the star constellation the Pleiades.

At Devil's Tower we ate our bag lunches as Chief and Squaw made their way into the Park.  Not to worry, they too got a bag lunch before leaving towards Hulett, WY and the Stone House  Saloon (video shows No Panty Wednesday during the 2010 Rally).  We were there on Monday and they were grading the gravel driveway, so no stopping.  We made our way back to Spearfish Canyon and rode the opposite direction.  You must experience the canyon in both directions!  Monday was Brad and Sabrina's turn to cook for us.  They prepared an awesome Mexican Menu.  Each evening one of the couples prepared, served and cleaned up their dinner choice.

Tuesday morning took us to Hill City via Hwy 385, Mount Rushmore via Hwy 244, Sylvan Lake via Hwy 87, Needles Highway and Custer State Park (Black Hills Map).  Hill City known for its Steam Locomotion Trains has a Harley-Davidson store, which of course we shopped at!  After Hill City we rode to Mount Rushmore and spent a few hours walking the trails around the Presidents.  To think back in  1927 the carving started and was later completed in 1941! In Sylvan Lake we had Buffalo Burgers and heard of a 61 year old man that went down on Needles Highway breaking his leg.  In fact, as we ate we saw and heard the Ambulance make its way.  I wonder if this added to the stress of two-up riding the switchbacks?  Prior to the Needles we discussed what is needed to be successful, low gear and higher rpms, rear braking in turns if needed and no looking at the scenery if your are the rider, only passengers can take in the beauty while the bike is in motion!  We took the Wildlife Loop through Custer and saw Burros, Pronghorns, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Deer and Buffalos!  Back at the cabin it was Jim and Jen's turn to cook.  We had a wonderful grilled chicken dinner which was made as the rest of us sat in one of the 3 hot tubs or swam in the "not-heated" outdoor pool.

Wednesday morning started with a breakfast pizza dish made by Cathy.  It was so well received that it made a bother appearance Friday morning at 5:00am before heading home.  Wednesday was a free-f0r-all where couples could relax since nothing was planned.  Cathy and I went to Rapid City HD for more shopping, then rode Hwy 44 to Boondocks for a quick lunch followed by a wonderful ride on Nemo Road (Hwy 234) to Wonderland Cave, a 60 million year old cave in the Black Hills!  The entrance to Wonderland Cave found us on a gravel road for every bit of 5 miles, climbing ever so further into the Black Hills, remember NO GUARD Rails!  The Cave was really cool (around 47 degrees) but can't hold a candle to Cave of the Mounds in WI.  Jim and Jen took in Lead and the mining history since Jen's Great Grandfather was a miner there.  Lead has a museum that depicts all the history.  Tonight was Marc and Chris's turn to cook and what else would Wisconsinites want on vacation............brats and beans of course!  Another fantastic meal without any of us having to help, simply eat when ready!   

Thursday morning arrived and couples again went their own directions.  Cathy and I mailed a box of t-shirts back home while in Lead and then went into Deadwood.  A final shopping spree at Deadwood HD for Cathy as she added to her Pandora Bracelet with a HD chain bead.  Thursday was an early day for most of us.  In the afternoon we swam, sat in the hot tub and got some packing done.  We talked about what others had done; Marc and Chris rode Nemo Road, Jim and Jennifer more research of Lead and the miners, Brad & Sabrina once again rode Spearfish Canyon where it is said by many he "accidentally" pushed Sabina as she twisted her right knee, or was it that "C and Squaw" were wrestling for the right to cook brats and got hurt?  No one will ever know.  Tonight was our turn to cook and we were pleased to have talked to the butcher in Lead who hand trimmed some tenderloins and then butterflied them into 10 large fillets.  The bill for just the meat was over $80!  Later after he saw and heard my reaction, he lowered it to $68.  These fillets were awesome, very tender.  

Each night chief entertained us with not what many people would think, no singing and dancing, but daily ride videos he took with his GoVideo.  Either it was mounted on the bike or rested onto of his helmet or that of Squaw's.  Both looked a lot like one of the Teletubbies, when it was mounted on their helmets.  

Friday morning came way too early.  After another round of Breakfast Pizza we were on our way to Albert Lea, MN for our first night.  Comfort Inn was a great choice and had gas and restaurant within a short walk.  After riding in 25 mph sustainable winds with gusts into the 40's coming from the SE and riding our iron horses on a constant lean all the way, we ALL needed a REST!  Even Chief decided to cash in early as we didn't see him until the next morning for breakfast!  Saturday morning we had rain most of the way to LaCrosse, WI!  Near Tomah, Cathy and I parted from the pack enroute to King, WI and the Veterans Home where my dad now resides.  Brad and Sabrina decided to leave Albert Lea once the rain had stopped and made it back to Evansville with No Rain!

The entire trip cover just under 2,400 miles with no mechanical issues other than a turn signal bulb and Jim almost losing his left saddle bag lid cover, he noticed while at the cabin that all but one of the screws had fallen off!  What were once 5 screws holding it in place were now only 1!  We fixed it earlier in the week after getting parts at Rapid City HD ($2.15). Thank you God for watching over us, guiding us and bringing us all home safely. It is by Your Grace we are all here. 

Next year, The Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, NC.  Watertown, WI to Greensburg, IN (Day 1 - 370 miles) then to Pigeon Forge, TN (Day 2 - 340 miles) to a 4 bedroom cabin with 6 person hot tub and sauna for $250 per night (as an example).  The Dragons Tail is less than 20 miles away with a scenic ride through the Smokey Mountains National Park.  Dollywood nearby!  If interested get your name on the list for another late July destination adventure on Harley's with friends!  

More pictures to be posted later with a link to Shutterfly.  Check out this link, for added photos of other Bike Events. 

What are statistics telling us?

Too often statistics and surveys tell the audience what the presenter wants them to believe.  The following statistics will show factual information from the State of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation.  This article is meant to alarm you the reader to the point where one wonders, "Am I good enough to stay alive on a motorcycle?"  If you ask this question of yourself, then you already know the answer, "You aren't, but you could get much better".  

Dated June 17, 2012 the Department of Motor Vehicle "Weekly Fatality Report" for Wisconsin shows motorcycle fatalities are up 35% from the same time last year!  As of June 17, 2012 Wisconsin has seen 36 motorcycle operators and 4 passengers die on Wisconsin roads, this compared to 25 operators and 1 passenger in 2011.  I think we can all agree that even one death, is one  too many.  Wisconsin Bureau of Transportation Safety has an ad campaign that says, "Zero in Wisconsin".  This translates to zero fatalities on Wisconsin roads.  This is our goal, yours and mine!  

I feel motorcycles fatalities have increased this year because of; warmer weather in March, brought many riders out earlier than expected, more disposable income to spend on motorcycles, and possibly gasoline prices that showed an early year increase that many thought would surpass record highs.  Add all this reasons to the fact so few riders feel the need to get more skilled, become safer and smarter motorcyclists.

Wisconsin has many training opportunities for you to become a safer rider.  They can offer these one and two day classes, but it is still up to you, the rider to attend and then use these skills to become better.  Some of these classes include; 

The Street Rider Course 2: This course is for riders who wish to enhance their basic skills and strategies to develop a deeper understanding of perceptual street riding strategies. A brief classroom session is provided for administrative activities and the Street Smart-Rider Perception Program with the balance of the four- to five-hour course conducted on various routes throughout the surrounding area.

The Ultimate Bike Bonding Rider Course: This course is for experienced or seasoned riders and is designed to improve a rider’s overall riding performance through smooth and precise control operation as well as body positioning on the motorcycle. Short classroom segments are woven into a full day (total of eight hours) of a wide variety of riding exercises.

The Advance Rider Course: This course is for experienced or seasoned riders who wish to enhance their personal risk management, sharpen their perception and hazard awareness, and improve their cornering, braking, and crash avoidance skills. The course consists of approximately three-plus hours of classroom and four-plus hours of on-cycle riding in a controlled environment.

Wisconsin is the only state that offers a mobile classroom known as THE REF or Transportable High-End Rider Education Facility.  Check out the schedule and plan on attending one of the many events THE REF is at.  Many certified RiderCoaches are on-hand to answer your questions, provide tips and just talk motorcycling - this at a price you can afford - FREE! 

So what's your excuse for not wanting to get better?  Do you want to be just another statistic next Monday morning when the State releases the weekly fatality report?  Well, we don't want you to be, we want to live - Zero in Wisconsin!

Keep riding strong!  Keep riding smart, sober and safe!   

2012 WI Blue Knights II Annual Bike Blessing

Thunderstorms were predicted by our weathermen all week leading up to Wisconsin Blue Knights II Annual Bike Blessing on Saturday, April 14 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Prior to the Blessing several e-mails, text messages and facebook information went out. In fact, I think close to 200 if not more invitations were sent. One day prior to the Blessing only a handful of brave bikers were willing to risk what the weather forecasters had predicted.

Saturday started with clouds and temperatures in the low 50's; not bad for Wisconsin in mid-April! A few of us arrived at the church shortly after 9am. The Blessing started at 10am with coffee, donuts and fellowship. Shortly after we arrived, we were blessed with a clear, sunny sky and temperatures quickly started an upward rise to what would be later in the afternoon, the mid 70's!!

The Blue Knights Chapter had started with three dozens donuts,which quickly turned into seven dozen as numbers of riders and passengers kept arriving. By the time 11am rolled around, we counted 50 motorcycles. Ah, those brave souls who came to have their bikes and souls blessed no matter what the weather forecast was. Good thing, because those that stayed home not wanting to ride in what was supposed to be rain, surely missed out on a great day!

The Reverend Kenneth A Comstock began the blessing with a prayer. He thanked the men and women serving overseas and at home who continue to fight for the freedoms many of us take for granted. Reverend Comstock lost his nephew, 1st Lt David Johnson (brother of Comstock's wife Cindy). Johnson serving in Kandahar province, Afghanistan stepped on an IED and was fatally wounded. 1st Lt Johnson was deployed back in Dec 2011 and died a few weeks later in January 2012. Please continue to pray for all those in the Military and their families for a safe return home.

During the short sermon we were reminded of the many blessings we have and not for the grace of God we would be empty souls. Let us live life each day knowing that it is a gift from God and what we do with it is ours to decide. The day can never be changed once it's over.

Some of those that were present at the Blessing included; friends & family, members of Rock River HOG Chapter out of Oconomowoc, WI., and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, WI Blue Knights Chapter VI out of Milwaukee, and of course members of our own chapter. After a short ride through the countryside, the group was led to Sullivan Saloon in Sullivan, WI. In all over 30 riders & passengers continued socializing as we were served a wonderful lunch. If you are looking for a great burger (voted best burger in 2011 SE Wisconsin), comfortable atmosphere, at a reasonable price, make plans to eat here!

Shortly before 2pm, many of us decided we were very full from the 1/2 pound burgers and needed to enjoy the day the Lord has given us. More riding was in the plans. The WI Blue Knights Chapter II wants to thank everyone that came out and enjoyed their Saturday morning with us. We were truly blessed making new friends and seeing old ones. Thanks again to Reverend Comstock for his time and blessing along with St. Mark's for allowing us the use of their facilities.

Until next year, Ride With Pride. Ride Safe, Sober and Straight!