Now that motorcycles, like spring, are out in full bloom, here are a few helpful reminders to help us stay safe and arrive home safely.

We share the road with all manner of vehicles and all of us have a right to be there. Other than bicyclists, we’re the most vulnerable.

Last week I wrote about how we can do our part to be more visible. 10 tips to increase your visibility.

Non-motorcyclists may not be aware of how their actions jeopardize our safety. Here are a few helpful reminders.

10 tips for sharing the road with motorcycles

1. Please put your smart phones, make-up and on-the-go meals away. We have a bird’s eye view of what goes on in cars and it’s scary.

2. Stay in your lane. It is not OK for oncoming traffic to move into our lane when passing a bicyclist. True, we’re very maneuverable, but we can’t always dodge out of the way. We position ourselves for safety, maneuverability and visibility — and own the lane we’re in just as a car does.

3. Try and keep all four tires on the pavement on backroad curves. Dropping off onto the gravel shoulder kicks stones up onto the pavement. They’re like marbles and cause us to lose traction.

4. Understand we’re not cool. We get uncomfortable in hot weather when we’re stuck in traffic, surrounded by cars with windows tightly closed to keep in the air conditioning. Wise riders wear full gear all the time, however even with summer weight gear, it’s sweltering out there!

5. If you can avoid it, don’t pick the time a motorcyclist is directly behind you to use your windshield washer.

6. Never throw trash and cigarette butts out the window. Especially when a motorcyclist is behind you. Riders have had butts stuck in their helmet.

7. Confirm our intent when we’re signalling. Many motorcycles do not have self-cancelling turn signals and riders can forget to turn them off.

8. Respect our space. We like to keep a buffer in front of us to allow time to react to traffic. If you don’t see the ladder or exhaust pipe across the lane until the last minute, you can still get over it. Not so likely for us.

9. Don’t tailgate. We can stop a lot faster than you can. We don’t want to be your hood ornament.

10. Double check mirrors and blind spots. We’re a lot smaller than other vehicles on the road and harder to see.

Thank you. If we all consider each other’s needs, our own vulnerabilities and operate our vehicles accordingly, the roads will be a much safer place for all of us.

Related articles:

• Cars vs. motorcycles: Can’t we all just get along? - Lorraine Sommerfeld, Globe & Mail
• 10 Things all Car and Truck Drivers Should Know about Motorcycles
• For Car Drivers

Liz Jansen

“Brand” a marketing term used to categorize us and convey a specific message. It’s not who we are. It’s the perception of who we are and like beauty, it’s in the eyes of the beholder.

As a child, my dad told me Del Monte meant “kill the farmer.” Obviously he was feeling squeezed by a giant food producer.  It’s stuck with me to this day.

Branding is the tangible way we reflect personal philosophies and personalities. It reflects our values, perspectives and interests.

Not only do we run impressions of people and things through our own filter and assign them a brand, we also label ourselves based on those that have been assigned to us.

We immediately form opinions of the motorcycle – and its rider – based on whether it’s a BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Harley-Davidson or Ducati

7 ways to live your brand

1. Beware of branding traps.  Just like preconceived notions can lead us to misjudge the appropriateness of a motorcycle, so too can we misjudge others. 9 Branding Traps We Get Caught In

2. Match your style to your purpose. Essentially brands are the external representation of your inner self.  They reflect your values, perspecties and interests. Although you may try, you cannot be all things to all people. Listen to your heart, follow your passion and do the thing you’re here to do. 9 styles that reflect your purpose

3. Be authentic. I know it sounds cliché, but if you’re not living the life you’re meant to live, it will suck the energy right out of you. I’ve been there. 9 signs you’re not living authentically

4. Build from the inside out.  You were born into a specific setting. As you grow, gain self-awareness, understand your role and power, our lifestyle evolves accordingly to reflect who you think you are. The strongest brand is created when what you reflect externally matches who you are inside.  9 blocks for building your brand

5. Know what makes you unique. Do the thin only You can do.  As esteemed as they are, the world doesn’t need another Mark Zuckerberg, Meryl Streep or (insert your favorite person). Those roles are already taken. You each have a unique purpose that only you can fill. 9 attributes that make you unique

6. Keep your brand fresh. Manufacturers spend millions to create an image through advertising, PR and sponsorship. And the job is never done. To keep their brand front and center, they need to be out in public, with a consistent message and creative ways to keep awareness high. 9 ways of keeping your brand fresh

7. Learn from the experts. Companies go to great lengths to establish, protect and strengthen their image. Your brand is how you’re defined, who you are, or more accurately, the perception of who you are. And it’s one of your most valuable assets. Stay true to it!  9 personal branding tips

You’ve taken a lifetime to create your brand. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up for who you are. Just as one motorcycle is not going to appeal to everyone, so too your message is not a one size fits all. But if each of us follow our inner guidance, when all of our messages come together, profound change occurs.

photo credit: Urban Woodswalker via photopin cc

Liz Jansen

We all know to NEVER purchase a used helmet. But there are often good deals on other used gear. Have you purchased used gear and where’s a good place to find it?

Photo courtesy Motorcycle Mojo Magazine

Here’s how these experienced Motorcycle Mojo fans responded.

13 Riders Share their Sources for Used Motorcycle Gear

1. Mark K.  I have never had the opportunity to purchase used gear just because of my size, not many people selling gear for someone my size being 6’6′ 270lbs! I did manage to buy a heated vest though that works nicely for half the price of a new one from a friend of mine…

2. Darlene D. Jackets, boots, pants and gloves are completely different from helmets and I have bought a used jacket after close examination only. When I was done with my old helmet, I took it apart and cut the chin strap so no one would be tempted to used it after I disposed of it.

3. Kevin G.  Purchased an almost new snow-mobile suit (jacket and pants) at a garage sale several years ago and have used it for winter riding several times !

4. Karen G.  Never bought any gear used.

5. Sean K.  Yep, full suit from kijiji. Boots, suit and gloves are fine as long as they are not chewed up

6. Tim M. Never bought used gear and any used gear I’ve had I’ve given to somebody starting out or not being in a position to buy new. Used helmets always go to the dump

7. Mike P.  I bought a ballistics jacket at the international centre mc show a few years ago for $125. Was a great deal!!

8. Tony M.  I find my used stuff through friends

9. John T.  I always buy my riding gear NEW!!! gear is personal and used is just not cool!

10. Kees S.  Jacket gloves and boots used. Look for the right deals and you’re golden!

11. William H.  We have a local dealer who lets bikers sell their used gear as long as it is in good condition!

12. David L. Yup, on kijiji

13. Bruce A.  yeah I’ve bought used gear off Kijiji leather jacket, gloves also from online stores over a year old helmet still in box, brand new but year older who cares better price than in stores.

Liz Jansen

What gear advice would you give a new rider – just starting out?

Photo courtesy Motorcycle Mojo Magazine

Here’s how these experienced Motorcycle Mojo fans responded.

24 riders advise new riders on motorcycle gear

1. Kevin G.  Stay comfortable but don’t compromise practicality or personal safety for what someone markets as “fashionably bad-ass”. Wear durable,conspicuous protective gear.

2. Debbie M.  Wear all the gear all the time…no matter what the weather.

3. Mark K.  ATGATT. Best helmet you can afford. Boots that cover ankles, gloves to help with fatigue, textile or leather gear with protection. I am a proponent of high vis but each his own.

4. Darlene D. TAKE A RIDING COURSE AND WEAR FULL GEAR HEAD TO TOE!

5. Karen G.  If you are going someplace hot, get a helmet that is NOT black, and wear a light, long sleeve something rather than riding in a tank top in the heat. I also recommend gloves, long pants, boots for protection.

6. Tony M.  AGAT All the gear all the time

7. John T.  A good helmet is the best insurance you can ever buy! but don’t forget about the rest of the safety gear!

8. Leeann C.  Full face helmet, protective jacket, non laced covering ankle boots and protective gloves. I’ve got a great jacket. Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket that’s like a 4in1 jacket that will go all the way down to mesh. You can add on waterproof top shell, wind breaker liner and “winter” liner. I just keep all my liners in my bag. Living in Canada riding at the beginning of the season can start riding at 9C, mid day 24C and back down with maybe rain. I’m always prepared.

9. Bruce H.  Start with a machine you are comfortable driving. You can always step up later. Always better comfortable and safe on your early bike.

10. Kevin T.  Good comfortable gear and a helmet that fits properly. Remember kids it’s not a fashion show… It’s your safety

11. Mark-John H.  take the safety course!

12. William B. H.  A good helmet and safety gear is important , but more important is to make sure that it fits and is comfortable ! I’d much rather have a dorky looking but well and comfortably fitting helmet/jacket/pants and ignore the cool looking and less comfortable stuff !

13. Ken C.  Spend as much time as u can on a dirt bike, that’s where the good riders come from.

14. Robert M.  Wear it… And flip flops are not considered gear

15. Martin S.  I like gear with removable liners and lots of venting. Warm enough for the ride into work and cool enough for the ride home

16. Suhaymath N.  Do your research. Shop for motorcycle-specific items, especially when it comes to pants. I think too many people ride in regular denim and other material with zero abrasion resistance. Pad yourself as much as possible. Consider those new neck braces. Absolutely buy a FULL FACE HELMET!! Basically, don’t skimp at all and keep yourself as protected as humanly possible…and then some.

17. Kevin D.  1. New Helmet. Good quality Jacket and gloves (new or used). Do not group ride until you have over 2000k.

18. Sandi S. Protective gear is obvious, but do it according to the weather too. Don’t over do it on hot days, there’s good stuff out there to keep you well vented so you’re not getting over heated.

19. Rick C.  helmet, boots, gloves, jacket…….

20. Tim M.  Take courses, street , dirt , track and enjoy everyday riding

21. Mike P.  I think there is so much focus on lids, that people forget the importance of good fitting, comfy, and safe foot wear

22. Alex D. Take many courses. Read books. Start on a small cc bike.

23. Kevin D.  My instructor advised us to not group ride for first 2000k. Best advice… Best to learn road placement on your own.

24. Bruce A. a lid you can afford, boots (no sneakers) explain shoelaces could catch on gear selector and leather jacket or nylon (again what u can afford) and gloves…padded gloves. lid and jacket are most important as I have taken a few spills and this stuff takes the worst of the beatings! Footwear is important but never have slid on my feet off a bike.  oh and good leather chaps or those jeans that have kevlar knitted in for highway runs where sliding on highway will tear most clothing to shreds within 50 feet.

Liz Jansen

Colonel Chris Hadfield has to be one of the coolest people ever. A great leader. I admire what he’s done for mankind and am in awe of what can be accomplished when we set our minds to it.

There are no borders in space.

I love watching the ISS pass overhead as it orbits the earth, imagining the astronauts in it and what they’re seeing. If you’ve never done it, check the schedule here and watch it on a clear night. Absolutely amazing!

Here’s Colonel Hadfield covering David Bowie’s Space Oddity from OUTER SPACE earlier this week!

photo credit: `James Wheeler via photopin cc

Liz Jansen

The vulnerability of riding a motorcycle makes it an excellent teacher of communication skills. The immediacy and potential severity of the outcome when others misinterpret or ignore us are great motivators for learning how to communicate our intentions clearly and concisely.

Using these same skills in life leads to robust personal and professional relationships.

7 lessons for building communications skills

1. Make your intentions clear. With so much information coming at us from all directions, it’s important to break through the clutter. Congestion – whether it’s workload or traffic – and multitasking create distractions. Be clear, purposeful, and persistent. Proceed with courage and confidence. 7 reasons for building intent into communications

2. Use your signals. Whether you know it or not, you give signals all the time. Clear, explicit messages backed up with clarifying behavior confirm your intentions and make your journey that much more enjoyable. 9 signals that communicate intention

3. Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. Listen to your intuition and let it guide you. 9 aids to mindfulness

4. Focus on priorities. You receive many more signals at any one time that you can process. It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. That clutter clouds thought processes, usurps precious energy and muddies communications. 9 steps to prioritize your day

5. Recognize your filters. Anything that interferes with the way you send or receive messages affects your ability to make an informed decision. Thoughts, biases subjectivity, cultural training all act as filters and influence how you encode and decode messages. 9 communication filters to know for your safety

6. Recognize defense mechanisms. They’re like protective gear, worn to protect you from perceived harm. Although effective in reducing anxiety, they can distort reality, interfere with clear communications and mask authenticity. 9 defense mechanisms – protective gear of the spirit

7. Look in the mirror. They show you what’s going on in your surroundings while sharing your reflection with others. Similarly, people at as mirrors, delivering life lessons to you and reflecting back what they perceive coming from you. 9 messages from mirrors

In an ideal world, you would send your message out once and everyone would understand it exactly as it was intended. Realistically, that rarely happens. However, the better you get at clear and consistent communications through whatever medium best reaches your audience, the more efficient you’ll become. That reduces your workload, facilitates good relationships and frees up time for play.

photo credit: DanBrady via photopin cc
 

Liz Jansen

When you’re out of balance on your motorcycle the feedback is immediate and the consequences potentially devastating. The effects of being out of balance in your personal life can be harder to recognize and take longer to surface, but can sideline you just the same.

7 keys for staying in balance

1. Start with the fundamentals. Learning to achieve balance in your life is every bit as important as learning to balance a motorcycle. Establish a goal, acquire the appropriate skills, then keep your eyes up, looking where you want to go. 9 building blocks for balance

2. Remain vigilant. Wheels that are out of balance present a safety risk and cause uneven, accelerated tire wear. Riding through rough conditions can cause wheels to become unbalanced. Everyone goes through rough spots and encounters bumps on the road of life. During these times it’s even more important to take steps to minimize the upset to your life. 9 Ways to Maintain Balance

3. Use your eyes. Looking where you want to go keeps you balanced. It’s a fundamental skill taught in the first lesson new riders take. Allowing distractions to take your eyes away from our path will cause you to lose focuse – and your balance. It’s risky because it will take you off the road. 9 ways successful people use eyes to maintain balance

4. Pack wisely. Learning to recognize a load that’s out of balance, drawing on alternative resources and jettisoning that which isn’t necessary alleviates pressure and creates a much more enjoyable ride. Taking on additional responsibilities, whether you choose them or the Universe delivers them, can create stress, anxiety, fatigue and illness. 9 ways to pack for balance

5. Learn the controls. Proficient use of controls is essential for maintaining balance on a motorcycle, especially at slow speeds. The life parallel is unmistakable. Knowing how to recognize the thoughts and behaviors which control your behavior, understanding your strengths and using them wisely, keeps you upright. Reminding yourself that you control your own power builds confidence and allows you to grow. 9 ways to use controls to maintain balance

6. Embrace change. On or off your bike, knowing how to maintain balance through times of change is a survival skill. It’s no time to take on the victim role. You’re the only one at the controls so how effectively you navigate through change is a testament to your preparedness, perspective and choices. You must be an active participant. 9 ways to stay balanced while dealing with change

7. Adjust your load. There are times you need to stop what you’re doing, evaluate the situation and take corrective action. Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment. Other times, you need to make difficult choices about people and activities in your life. 9 actions to restore balance

Take a lesson from your bike and check in periodically to make sure you’re managing all that’s asked of you, including mindfully caring for your Self.

photo credit: westpark via photopin cc

Liz Jansen

Most collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle occur because the driver does not recognize that the motorcyclist is an oncoming vehicle. They either pull out from a side street or turn in front of them, into their path of travel.

Regardless of who’s at fault in an accident with another vehicle, the motorcyclist is the one who’s most likely to be injured. There are a few simple guidelines to reduce your chances of being hit and increase the odds of a fabulous ride!

10 Tips to Increase Your Visibility on a Motorcycle

1. Wear high visibility gear. You’re a lot smaller and narrower than other traffic, thus harder to see. The more you can increase your visibility and reflective strips on gear, the more likely you’ll be seen and reduce your odds of a collision. Read: High Visibility Helmet Buying Guide by Revzilla and Schuberth C3 High Viz Helmet Review

2. Choose a motorcycle color other than black. Bright colors are easier to see. Even better, add reflective tape or stickers in places where headlights are going to find them.

3. Use hand signals in addition to the bike’s turn signals. Any additional movement can be the one that alerts a driver that you’re about to change direction.

4. Ride on the inside tire track on 2-lane roads. This maximizes your chance of being seen by oncoming traffic. I like to “wiggle” the bike a bit approaching intersections, especially if I can see someone ready to turn left. It’s another movement to catch their attention.

5. Tap your brake to activate the light when slowing down, even if you don’t need to use your brake. It helps the vehicle behind you to realize you’re decelerating.

6. Guard your position when making a turn. While the exact positioning varies with lane configuration and dedicated turn lanes, generally position yourself in the left tire track if you’re making a right turn and the right tire track in a left turn lane.

7. Keep group sizes manageable. Wise leaders keep group sizes no larger than 8 motorcycles. If your group is larger, break it into smaller numbers, each with a leader and sweep rider. It’s way safer and easier to manage the group but beyond that, it’s difficult and dangerous for a car to pass a large group. Fatalities have occurred when a vehicle tries to pass a large group on a 2-lane road and because of another oncoming vehicle, can’t pass the whole group and cuts in midway through. You have nowhere to go.

8. Leave a buffer between you and the vehicle ahead to allow time to react to traffic or obstacles. If a car driver doesn’t see the ladder or exhaust pipe across the lane until the last minute, he can still get over it. Not so likely for you.

9. Leave more than enough space for braking. You can stop faster than most other vehicles, including the one behind you. Just because your bike is capable of doing it doesn’t mean it’s safe to leave stopping to the last minute.

10. Make sure you’ve got the skills before you put yourself in a position that you don’t belong in. Others can detect nervous riders and it can make them do irrational things. If you don’t have the skills to be riding with a group or keeping up with traffic on the freeway, practice. Build your confidence and skills first, then go out.

We share the roads with other vehicles and all have a right to be there. Do your part to help reduce the chance of a collision. Next week we’ll talk about how car drivers can do theirs.
photo credit: JohnnyEnglish via photopin cc

Liz Jansen

Any being, whether human or machine, exists through a complex series of interrelated systems. The interdependence of these healthy relationships means that they are neither dependent nor co-dependent.

Focusing on how the whole being functions and its support systems acknowledges the importance and necessity of wholesome relationships – beginning with the one with your self.

7 lessons on interdependence

1. Think holistically. It matters not that your gas tank is full if your tires are worn out or your battery is dead. Similarly, each physical system needs to work together for your body to be healthy. Illness in one area affects your whole being. 7 ways spas promote wellbeing

2. Create healthy relationships. Without a rider, the bike just sits there. And without a bike, the rider walks. Learn how to create healthy, fulfilling relationships by studying the relationship of motorcycle and rider. 9 characteristics of interdependent relationships

3. Build a team. People come and go in your lives, joining you for different parts of your journey and different purposes. Each has something to teach you and something to contribute. Your challenge is to consider the influence of others without losing focus on where you’re going. 9 principles of team building

4. Find your tribe. Everyone belongs to a tribe somewhere. As humans we need it. The motorcycling community exemplifies the power and benefit of belonging to a tribe. This is backed up by scientific data which has shown that finding your tribe is better for your health than vitamins, diet and exercise. 9 tips for finding your tribe

5. Utilize experts. While there is an abundance of online advice available for everything from soup to nuts, there will be challenges beyond your scope when it’s prudent to consult with an expert. By inference, they are an extension of you so learning how to work together effectively is important. 9 experts that keep you on the road

6. Become an advocate. The rights, freedoms and lifestyle enjoyed by many have come about through the dedication, focus and persistence of advocates. Erosion of those rights is insidious and requires vigilance, active participation and support of those who protect them. 9 easy ways to advocate

7. Co-create relationships. You affect many lives yond your own. A single act of kindness is remembered forever. Motorcycles are non-judgmental, accepting and open to new experiences. Following their example can teach much about sustainable, fulfilling relationships. 9 ways to co-create harmony in relationships

Apply these lessons to your own life and watch your relationships increasingly enrich your life, your road and those you share it with.

photo credit: duckunix via photopin cc

Liz Jansen

What do you do when you’re on a trip, need to reach a destination and have to go – but don’t feel well enough to ride?

Here’s how these Motorcycle Mojo fans responded.

17 riders advise how to handle illness while traveling

1. Debbie M.  Find a nice hotel and take a break

2. Pam B.  Not well enough to ride? Easy. Abort mission. Nothing is more important than your safety and your life. Whatever the pressing matter, it can wait until you are feeling up to it. Or park the bike and take another form of transport, then come back for the bike later.

3. Mark K. It’s all about assessing, planning, acting and re-assessing the situation you are in. Take a short break and see if you recover, sometimes you have no choice but to ride and immediately stop when it is safe to do so.

4. Darlene D.  Not ride and find a place to chill out and catch some zzz’s

5. David L.  Go to ground – an extra night in a motel can mean life rather than death!

6. Liz J. I was overcome with heat once in Napa and rode far longer than was safe. Dangerous. Was trying to make it to friends a couple of hours away but had to take a room – was sick there for 2 days.

7. Sandi S.  This happened to me after my first “long trip” last year. I woke up the next morning aching from head to toe, could hardly even open my mouth to eat. We just stayed an extra night where we were. Nothing is so important to risk your safety.

8. John T.  Always Stop and be safe!! it’s not just for you, but also for any riding buddies as well!

9. Tony M.  Never put a time limit on my rides BUT I’d use a cell phone to let them know I won’t be there and head humbly home to the best of my ability

10. Karen G.  This happened to me last summer. I had to change a whole bunch of plans/reservations, as I would have been literally risking my life to ride, as sick as I was. I was on a solo trip at the time.

11. Tim M.  Very cool bike now to the question at hand I’m never that organized to have a set time to be anywhere

12. Donna R.  Take an extra day where you are.

13. William H.  Do the smart thing , call ahead and let them know you will be late then go to ground till you are well enough to ride.

14. Frank B.  Put it in “party mode” and go!

15. Jeffrey M.  If you don’t feel well, simply don’t ride.

16. Bruce A.  pop a couple aspirins and try to ride it out because clock is running sometimes u have to get to destination no ifs buts about it. Depends how sick you are otherwise ride it out.

17. Kevin G.  I answer so many hypothetical and real life situations and scenarios pertaining to riding /driving with something that was drilled into me a long time ago…. “When in doubt…. don’t”.

Have you ever been in that situation?  How do you handle it?

Liz Jansen